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New York Governor Kathy Hochul is vocally opposing the Trump Administration's immigration policies. At a recent rally, she criticized federal cuts and shared the story of an Upstate New York mother and her three children detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas. The family was released after intervention from Border Czar Tom Homan, a Republican farmer, and community efforts.
Governor Hochul has consistently defended New York's immigration policies, emphasizing cooperation in criminal investigations while resisting federal immigration enforcement in non-criminal cases. During a congressional hearing, she stated that New York has handed over more than 1,300 incarcerated non-citizens to ICE since she took office. However, she urged Congress to overhaul federal immigration laws, arguing that states alone cannot fix the broken system.
Hochul's stance has sparked debate, with criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats. Republican Congressman Mike Lawler has introduced a bipartisan bill to protect working immigrants while securing borders. He has also questioned Hochul's commitment to the New York for All Act, which limits state collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
Hochul has expressed a willingness to cooperate with federal authorities in deporting undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. However, she supports legal immigrants and asylum-seekers, advocating for work authorization for those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
The Trump Administration's immigration actions, including deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles, have led to protests nationwide. Hochul criticized these actions as an "assault" on American values. As the debate continues, Hochul's office plans to release more information on the state's response to potential mass deportations.