NYC Council Advocates for Immigrant Protections Following Detention of Employee by ICE

New York City Council members convened on February 12, 2026, in a meeting focused on immigrant protections and the ongoing detention of Raphael Rubio, a city council employee held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The council expressed urgent concerns about the treatment of immigrants, assuring initiatives to enhance protections for vulnerable populations, especially in light of recent policies affecting immigrant communities amid rising tensions with federal agencies.

# What’s happening
– City Council is advocating for the release of Raphael Rubio, detained by ICE during a routine appointment.
– The council is working with legal teams to secure Rubio’s release and improve immigrant protections.
– The efforts are immediate as they seek to protect other immigrants from similar situations.

# Why it matters
– Approximately 19 New Yorkers have lost their lives in harsh conditions, affecting many immigrant families.
– Enhanced protections for immigrants ensure safety and compliance with the city’s sanctuary policies.

# Key details
– Date of meeting: February 12, 2026.
– Location: City Hall, New York City.
– Raphael Rubio’s bond was unjustly denied on February 2, 2026, and is currently under appeal.
– Legal services funding is being increased to support immigrant rights.

The meeting highlighted the council’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of immigrants in New York City, particularly following Raphael Rubio’s detention. Council Speaker Julie Menin emphasized that Rubio was detained after attending a necessary ICE check-in, despite having all legal documentation to work for the city council. This incident raised alarms over the transparency and accountability of government procedures in relation to immigration enforcement.

Council members immediately coordinated with the New York Attorney General (NYAG) and the New York Immigration Coalition to assist in securing legal representation for Rubio. They successfully filed a habeas corpus petition on the same day of his detention, signaling a rapid response to the situation (Source: https://youtu.be/gtfLh1uziI4&t=241).

The discussion also turned to proposals aimed at reinforcing existing sanctuary protections. The council plans to introduce legislation, including Intro 214, which aims to hold city agencies accountable for ignoring sanctuary laws and prevent cooperation with ICE during routine immigration processes. Council members stressed the need for clear guidelines and increased training for city staff to uphold these protections.

Attendees at the meeting voiced concerns about the broader impact of ICE operations on immigrant communities, particularly the prevailing climate of fear that discourages individuals from seeking essential services. One speaker highlighted the chilling effects these enforcement tactics have on immigrant families in New York City, calling for a unified approach to protect the rights of all residents, regardless of immigration status (Source: https://youtu.be/Q1tjMC9NXy8&t=1647).

The urgency of these discussions reflects the council’s ongoing determination to oppose federal overreach and to ensure that the rights and dignity of New Yorkers are respected, especially those from immigrant backgrounds. As the council pursues these measures, it is clear that the protection of immigrant communities will remain a focal point of their legislative agenda moving forward.