Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has expressed her administration’s readiness to work with the Trump administration on the issue of deporting undocumented immigrants believed to have entered the U.S. illegally. However, she stipulates certain conditions for this cooperation. On Tuesday, the Hochul administration introduced a set of guidelines explaining the specific instances in which New York’s law enforcement might be able to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deportation cases.
These instances include instances where an individual is suspected of bypassing the official ports of entry when crossing into the U.S., or those that have reentered the country subsequent to a prior deportation. This recently established protocol, initially brought to light by Gothamist, grants New York officials permission to work side-by-side with ICE when an individual’s immigration status plays an integral role in criminal investigation conducted within the state, or when an individual is involved in ‘multinational’ crimes, like being part of international drug cartels.
Hochul voiced her concern over a failed immigration system during a Tuesday briefing, emphasizing that their intention was never to turn New York into a sanctuary state. She stated their resolve stating that New York will not tolerate children living in fear while in school or people hiding out of fear. Her assurance intended to emphasize the importance of safety and security in the state, even when addressing issues of immigration.
Following the presidential elections of November, Hochul had committed to presenting an updated immigration policy for New York. She has consistently indicated her readiness to deport immigrants who are found guilty of breaking laws. Her stance remains firm, with a commitment to prioritize the safety of New York inhabitants over the fate of convicted foreign nationals.
During a speech in November, Hochul made her policy clear, stating that if someone violates the law, she won’t hesitate to partner with ICE to deport them. When such offenders are identified, her priority will be to ensure they are removed from the state. She asserted, ‘I cannot condone anybody instilling fear in my residents.’ Her administration’s policy on immigration appears to align with her predecessor’s stance.
Hochul’s predecessor established a directive through an executive order in 2017, soon after the Trump administration began its first term. This directive provided clear instructions for New York’s agencies and law enforcement concerning immigration enforcements. It was explicit that no resource, equipment, or personnel should be devoted to detecting or pursuing individuals whose sole transgression was a civil immigration offence.
This directive additionally stressed that officers lacked authority to take police action strictly on the basis of someone’s undocumented status. The emphasis was on the undocumented person’s behavior, not their status. This perspective has flowed through to Hochul’s administration, reinforcing their commitment to addressing crime rather than immigration status in isolation.
This announcement on the state’s immigration policy coincided with the visit of the newly appointed Homeland Security Secretary of the Trump administration to New York City. The Secretary was in the city to accompany U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a series of targeted immigration raids performed in different parts of the city.
Since Trump assumed office, ICE has announced over 3,500 arrests nationwide and reported an unprecedented 1,179 on a single day – Monday. Furthermore, Democrat Mayor Eric Adams of New York has expressed his willingness to cooperate with Trump to deport criminals. This decision comes as New York City continues to support tens of thousands of asylum seekers while dealing with financial strain.
A recent poll conducted in the state showed that the majority of New Yorkers agree with the state’s decision to back Trump’s deportation efforts. These efforts, targeted at those who have entered the country illegally especially those involved in criminal activities, resonate with many individuals concerned with their city’s peace and security.
The clear and firm stance Hochul and Adams are taking in conjunction with the enforcement of immigration laws and regulations represents an important step forward. While they believe that every individual should have a chance for a better life, they also firmly believe that this must not come at the expense of the safety and well-being of the citizens of New York.
Thus, while the issue of immigration remains a hot-button topic and immigration policies continue to evolve, the Hochul administration appears to be making practical decisions based on the specific situation in New York. It is clear that while the state is open to immigration, it won’t come at the cost of its residents’ peace and safety.
Under Hochul’s leadership, New York is seeking to strike a delicate balance between upholding immigration law and maintaining the dignity of all residents, regardless of their immigration status. Such a balanced approach will likely continue to be the central theme of her administration’s policies and decisions going forward.
While the road ahead remains complex and fraught with challenges, the resolve and determination shown by Hochul and her colleagues indicate a commitment to a path that not only prioritizes the law, but also the fundamental human rights of all who call New York their home, irrespective of their birthplace or immigration status.