Story perspectives

ICE's Asylum Interview Arrests Spark Outrage in New York

1/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increasingly arrested immigrants during asylum interviews at the New York asylum office, drawing concerns.
Gov. Kathy Hochul criticized the arrest of Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, a City Council staffer, during his asylum interview.
Gothamist found 14 similar arrests, signaling a trend under U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Officials cite a visa overstay for Bohorquez, while critics say the arrests undermine the asylum system.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increasingly arrested immigrants during asylum interviews at the New York asylum office, drawing concerns.
Gov. Kathy Hochul criticized the arrest of Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez, a City Council staffer, during his asylum interview.
Gothamist found 14 similar arrests, signaling a trend under U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Officials cite a visa overstay for Bohorquez, while critics say the arrests undermine the asylum system.