The new poll findings reveal a strong sentiment among New Yorkers favoring the deportation of criminal illegal migrants. According to a Siena College poll, roughly eight out of ten citizens in the state voice their support for expelling undocumented criminals. Rather startlingly, this united stance cuts across party and racial lines, with around 70% of Democrats and Latinos affirming this view. High-profile arrests of illegal migrants by federal officials in recent times across New York state could be contributing to this emerging narrative.
Support hasn’t waned even slightly when it comes to deporting illegal migrants engaged in criminal activities, polling at an impressive 79%. Although, enthusiasm appears diluted when it comes to lending support to President Trump’s deportation policies. Among the nearly 800 voters surveyed, only 48% were in favor of cooperation with federal authorities, starkly eclipsing the 31% who advocated an oppositional stance.
Just a few weeks ago, another Siena poll gave us an insight into New Yorker attitudes towards supporting Trump’s deportation aspirations. A considerable number, over half, indicated they felt the state should lend its weight to enforcing federal immigration law. The current government seems indifferent or at least isn’t showing any urgency to develop a clear policy on immigration.
The state’s Governor, Kathy Hochul, keeps refusing to carve out a clear immigration strategy, despite vocalizing promises to do so during late 2020. A tacit support for targeting criminal migrants is evident in her statements. However, her silence or potential obfuscation on New York’s sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, is rather bewildering.
Governor Hochul made a claim about state and local officials cooperating when dealing with migrants convicted of a crime or having an outstanding arrest warrant, but the reality painted a different picture. A recent attention-grabbing incident has Acting Deputy US Attorney General Emil Bove criticizing an upstate sheriff for disregarding a warrant against a migrant who had given a guilty plea for assault.
Governor Hochul’s office, when pressed about individual cases, chose to withhold comment. Instead, they merely acknowledged the existence of diverse policies across various municipalities with regards to federal immigration cooperation. The latest Siena poll suggests that Hochul’s immigration handling isn’t going down well with New Yorkers.
57% of the respondents indicated a preference for a new candidate in the 2026 elections as opposed to the low 31% voicing support for the Governor. It seems Governor Hochul’s refusal to take a firm stance on immigration, and the selective silence on crucial matters, isn’t contributing positively to her leadership image.
Some policies proposed by Hochul do enjoy public favour. For instance, an overwhelming 71% stood in support of the Governor’s idea of an NYPD surge within the subway system. The public seems to appreciate stronger policing, especially when concerning matters of transit security.
Similarly, Governor Hochul proposes to minimize student phone usage during school hours and it notably resonates with 62% of voters. The resistance is minor, with only 21% voicing their objections. This initiative aims to boost student focus, but it’s yet to be seen how effectively it can be implemented.
In another intriguing revelation from the poll, there seems to be soft leaning towards the liberalization of criteria for involuntary commitment to mental health facilities. 51% were in favor, dwarfing the dissenting 21%. Although a sensitive topic, the current public sentiment seems to lean towards a more open approach to mental health intervention.
Across all these favorable views on individual policies, trust in Hochul’s ability to efficiently manage the state’s finances is low. Just recently, Governor Hochul proposed a significant budget increase which, considering New York’s already bloated spending, raised eyebrows.
The proposed hike in spending to a staggering $252 billion appears to have resulted in skepticism among the residents. Only 22% consider New York’s fiscal position to have improved over the last year under Hochul’s stewardship. From this observation, it becomes clear that Hochul’s budgetary expansion might not be resonating with financial optimism among her constituents.
With the considerable public favor towards her policy proposal on NYPD surge and school phone usage restriction, it appears Governor Hochul has some positive cards in play. However, her lack of clarity in regards to immigration policies and big-spending plans could be her Achilles’ heel.
Political leaders, no matter how competent, often struggle when their communication fails in resonating with their constituents. For Governor Hochul, the inability to take a clear stand – particularly in relation to immigration – seems to have contributed to eroding public trust.
While singular decisions or policy proposals might gain her few brownie points, the overall dissatisfaction with her governance seems apparent. Her myopic refusal to support key federal policies and transparency on controversial issues may well prove costly.
All things considered, the latest Siena polls clearly indicate a widespread discontent towards Governor Hochul’s administration. With the significant preference for a new leadership in 2026 and the mistrust in Hochul’s management of state finances, the path ahead seems rather rocky for the Governor.