New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated her commitment to taking strong action against migrants who commit crimes on Wednesday, November 27th, emphasizing she would not hesitate to involve federal immigration authorities. “If someone breaks the law, I’ll be the first one to call up ICE and say, ‘Get them out of here,’” Hochul declared during a press conference addressing immigration issues and public safety.
Governor Hochul distinguished between migrants seeking asylum and those involved in criminal activity. She highlighted the need to support legal migrants by facilitating work permits, stating, “Those who come here legally – we want to get them jobs. I have 460,000 open jobs in the State of New York.” Hochul reaffirmed her stance against criminal behavior, asserting, “I don’t want anybody terrorizing my citizens.”
Her comments reflect a shift from traditional Democratic policies on immigration, drawing both support and criticism. Republican critics, including Representative Mike Lawler, accused Hochul of backtracking on prior policies that established New York as a sanctuary state. Hochul dismissed the criticism, stating that public safety remains her top priority and that a balanced approach is necessary to address immigration challenges.
Governor Hochul also addressed the broader failings of the U.S. immigration system, calling it “woefully broken.” She underscored the need for comprehensive reform, saying, “We need to fix the border, fix the system.” Hochul expressed frustration over missed opportunities to enact meaningful changes under recent federal immigration proposals.
In response to questions about deporting undocumented immigrants whose sole offense is illegal entry, Hochul suggested the asylum process should play out for those seeking refuge. However, she reiterated her firm stance on deporting those with criminal records, stating, “When those are identified, I’ll be the first one to help get rid of ‘em.”
Governor Hochul’s remarks come amid heightened national debate over immigration policy and border security, as President-elect Donald Trump pledges sweeping deportation measures. Her approach aims to balance compassion for lawful migrants with a zero-tolerance policy for criminal activities, signaling a nuanced stance in a politically charged environment.
