Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent comments on immigration and deportations are raising eyebrows, especially among supporters of President Trump. For years, New York has been seen as a sanctuary for immigrants, a state with laws that protect those here without proper documentation. But now, Hochul seems to be shifting her stance—at least in part—on how her administration plans to handle illegal immigration.
In a recent statement, Hochul said, “We’re going to cooperate with ICE,” referring to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. This was a significant departure from the more lenient approach her administration has taken in the past. For years, New York’s policy has largely shielded undocumented immigrants from deportation, with local governments and law enforcement often not cooperating with ICE. However, Hochul’s new tone suggests that the state might be willing to work more closely with the federal government, especially when it comes to deporting those who have committed crimes.
Hochul made it clear that she’s open to helping those who follow the law, stating, “Those who come here legally, we want to get them jobs.” New York is currently facing a significant labor shortage, with 460,000 open jobs in the state. She wants legal immigrants to fill these positions and contribute to the state’s economy, as long as they have the proper work permits and stay within the boundaries of the law. Hochul also emphasized the importance of keeping people with temporary protective status (TPS) in the state, ensuring they continue to live and work legally.
But the governor drew a firm line when it came to criminals, saying, “Someone breaks the law, I’ll be the first one to call up ICE and get them out of here.” This was a direct and sharp contrast to her previous stance, signaling that her administration may not turn a blind eye to immigrants who are involved in criminal activities. She went on to say, “I don’t want anybody terrorizing my citizens,” showing that public safety remains her priority.
The timing of Hochul’s comments couldn’t be more relevant. In recent years, the state has seen a significant influx of asylum seekers, many of whom have arrived in New York legally, seeking refuge from violence and persecution in their home countries. However, with the Biden administration’s handling of immigration still under scrutiny, and Trump’s plans to ramp up deportations, the future of New York’s immigrant policies is unclear. As Hochul faces pressure from both sides, she may have to find a balance between her state’s progressive reputation and the growing concerns of voters who feel overwhelmed by the number of new arrivals.
In a state that has long prided itself on being a haven for immigrants, Hochul’s comments are likely to spark debate. While she supports helping those who follow the rules, the reality is that the situation is more complicated. With Trump’s push for a nationwide immigration crackdown, it’s clear that New York could play a significant role in either supporting or resisting these efforts. For now, Hochul seems to be walking a tightrope, trying to please both her progressive base and those who are calling for stronger enforcement of immigration laws.
Supporters of President Trump, who have long criticized New York’s sanctuary policies, may view this shift as a victory. Whether Hochul’s rhetoric will lead to real change remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that the governor is signaling a more hardline approach on immigration, at least when it comes to criminal behavior.