Eyewitness NewsWed, March 18, 2026 at 9:07 PM UTCA federal judge has ordered a New York City Council employee to be deported from the U.S.Rafael Rubio was detained by ICE more than two months ago during a routine immigration check-in.Council Speaker Julie Menin said in a statement her office would continue to fight for his release and ensure an appeal would be filed."Rafael had legal authorization to remain in the United States, he followed the rules, and he showed up for a routine immigration appointment - only to be detained and held for months now," Menin said.The Council Speaker says the problem with his case is a simple technical error.Rubio'sMeanwhile, earlier Wednesday, Bronx high school student Dylan Contreras was released after he was detained by ICE for nearly 10 months.Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness NewsHave a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.