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Hudson Valley lawmakers have shared their opinions on Governor Kathy Hochul's testimony during a Congressional hearing on Thursday (June 12) concerning New York's sanctuary policies. During the hearing, Governor Hochul defended the state's immigration policies, emphasizing that New York cooperates with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in criminal cases. She stated, "We cooperate in all criminal investigations. Always have, always will." Hochul also highlighted that since she took office, over 1,300 incarcerated non-citizens have been handed over to ICE at the end of their sentences.
The hearing, called by Republicans on the House Oversight Committee, aimed to scrutinize sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Hochul argued that states like New York cannot be expected to fix the nation's broken immigration system and urged Congress to reform federal immigration laws.
Assemblyman Chris Tague criticized Hochul's testimony, describing it as "shockingly clueless" or "willfully negligent." Conversely, City of Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou supported Hochul, stating that she has prioritized the safety of all New Yorkers.
The hearing included pointed questions from New York Republicans, including Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congressman Mike Lawler, both potential gubernatorial candidates. Stefanik accused Hochul of enabling "horrific" crimes by immigrants without legal status, while Lawler questioned whether Hochul would sign the New York for All Act, which would limit state cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Hochul did not specify her stance on the bill, noting that attending the hearing kept her from her duties in New York.
The hearing comes amid national debates on immigration policies and enforcement, with Hochul criticizing President Donald Trump's recent actions in Los Angeles as an "assault" on "American values."