New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a willingness to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in the state. Her remarks follow revelations that approximately 58,000 illegal immigrants charged or convicted of crimes reside in New York City, a self-declared “sanctuary city” in a “sanctuary state.”
During a press briefing, Hochul stated, “Someone breaks the law, I’ll be the first one to call up ICE and say, get them out of here.” Her comments mark a departure from New York’s prior stance of non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This shift comes as Trump’s newly appointed border czar, Tom Homan, has vowed to carry out mass deportations, with or without support from local officials.
Hochul acknowledged the strain on the state’s immigration system, labeling it “woefully broken” and attributing the problem to congressional inaction. She criticized Republicans for failing to pass a border security bill earlier this year, a proposal that would have allowed at least 1.4 million illegal border crossings annually.
Hochul also highlighted the state’s demand for legal workers to fill its labor shortages. “I have 460,000 open jobs in the state of New York. I want [migrants] to get the proper work permits. I want them to keep their temporary protective status, if that’s what they have. I want to make sure that they’re part of contributing to society while they’re here.”
However, Hochul drew a clear distinction between those seeking asylum and those involved in criminal activity. “Those who come here legally, we want to get them jobs. That’s separate from people who are criminals,” she said. Hochul emphasized her commitment to public safety, adding, “I don’t want anybody terrorizing my citizens.”
When asked about handling individuals guilty of illegal border crossing or visa overstays but without further criminal charges, Hochul maintained that asylum seekers are in the U.S. legally but reiterated that criminal behavior, including crimes committed prior to entering the country, warrants deportation.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has also signaled a shift in approach, expressing a willingness to work with President-elect Donald Trump to address the immigration crisis that has overwhelmed the city. The combined statements from Hochul and Adams suggest a growing recognition of the challenges posed by illegal immigration, particularly amid escalating tensions over resources and public safety in sanctuary jurisdictions.
