Joint Statement from NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin and Congressman Dan Goldman on ICE Detention of City Council Staffer

January 13, 2026 Press Release “After a City Council staffer was detained by ICE yesterday while attending a routine immigration check-in, our offices immediately moved to coordinate with advocates at the New York Immigration Coalition and the outstanding lawyers at the New York Legal Assistance Group who filed an emergency habeas petition last night. “We have confirmed this morning that the staffer is being held in New York State, confirming that the habeas petition was properly filed and preventing his removal from the State until his petition is resolved by a court. “As part of his application to work for the Council, the staffer cleared the standard background check conducted for all applicants. “The Council has been unable to contact the staffer but is working to get in touch with the staffer’s immigration counsel. “We will continue to provide further updates when appropriate.” ### Issues : Immigration In the District