The boyfriend of a New York City official was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the end of August, despite having legal residence in the United States. The case has generated controversy due to his criminal record and his relationship with a public figure.

The detainee was identified as Nathaniel Rojas, a Dominican citizen and green card holder, federal authorities confirmed to Newsweek. The arrest occurred on August 28 and was carried out by ICE agents, according to statements by DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

In an official statement, McLaughlin noted that Rojas is considered a "criminal alien" with a criminal record that includes grand theft, identity theft, retail theft, and a conviction for aggravated drunk driving with a minor. He currently remains in ICE custody while his deportation process moves forward.

“A green card is a privilege, not a right, and under the laws of our country, the government has the authority to revoke it if our laws are violated or abused,” McLaughlin emphasized when confirming the arrest and explaining the procedures followed in these types of cases.

According to The New York Daily News, Rojas was reportedly arrested in an apartment in the Bronx, a property he shares with Wendy Garcia, deputy commissioner for Development and Advancement of the New York Department of Correction. So far, Garcia has not offered any comment.

The crackdown on immigrants continues

The arrest is part of the hardline immigration policy applied during the Trump administration, which prompted what it described as the “largest mass deportation in the history of the country.” In its first 100 days, ICE reported more than 66,000 arrests and 65,000 deportations.

The measures also raised the daily average of people detained by ICE to 55,000, a figure considerably higher than that recorded by previous administrations.Although officials have insisted on prioritizing dangerous criminals, federal reports show that many of those arrested do not have criminal records.

The tightening of operations sparked protests in several cities, especially in Los Angeles, where tension led to the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops after violent incidents with ICE agents during deportation raids.

In Rojas' case, after his capture he was initially transferred to the federal building at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. He was later held in an Orange County jail, where he has been detained for two weeks, according to official records and sources cited by The Daily News.