The New York City Council said one of its employees was detained on Monday by federal immigration officials during a routine immigration appointment in Nassau County.

The worker, who has not been identified, is said to be a data analyst of Venezuelan descent who had no prior arrests and is authorized to remain in the country until October, Council Speaker Julie Menin said.

The employee was transferred to a detention center at 201 Varick St. in Lower Manhattan, and members are working to try and get him released.  

"We are doing everything we can to secure the immediate release of our @NYCCouncil employee... This action is a clear overreach, and we will fight for full transparency and accountability as we protect New Yorkers," Menin wrote, in part, on social media.

"He called the City Council for help"

Officials say they learned of the employee's detainment when he called human resources at City Hall, indicating he was in need of help.

"He was given, I want to be clear, one call and he called the City Council for help," Menin later told reporters, adding the employee has an immigration attorney.

City Councilman Harvey Epstein said the detainment sends the wrong message to those looking do things the right way.

"If someone has an appointment and is legally here and under work authorization, [which is] exactly what our colleague is, and then they show up to their appointment and they get taken anyway, you cannot expect people to show up for their appointments and that means people will be further in trouble," Epstein said. "This chaos the federal government is creating is a chaos that is hurting everyday New Yorkers."  

Mayor Mamdani, Gov. Hochul. Rep. Goldman react

Mayor Zohran Mamdani also addressed the incident, writing, "I am outraged to hear a New York City Council employee was detained in Nassau County by federal immigration officials at a routine immigration appointment. This is an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values. I am calling for his immediate release and will continue to monitor the situation."

CBS News New York reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment, but has not yet heard back.

"This is exactly what happens when immigration enforcement is weaponized. Detaining people during routine court appearances doesn't make us safer. It erodes trust, spreads fear, and violates basic principles of fairness. We will continue to stand up for the rights of New Yorkers," Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote on social media.

Added Rep. Dan Goldman, who represents parts of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, "This is unconscionable, and it must stop. Imagine someone coming here, trying to serve this country and being told, 'No, I'm sorry, you're going to be yanked away from your job and your family and sent back home.' We will continue to fight this."

The Association of Legislative Employees, which also called for the employee's immediate release, said a rally will be held outside the building on Varick Street at noon on Tuesday.