Gov. Kathy Hochul defended New York’s immigration policies in the face of a Republican grilling Thursday on Capitol Hill — including questions from two New York Republicans who are weighing potentially challenging her in next year’s election. 

“We cooperate in all criminal investigations. Always have, always will,” Hochul told lawmakers. 

Republicans on the House Oversight Committee called the hearing to spotlight so-called “sanctuary” policies, which, broadly speaking, limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. 

What You Need To Know

  • Republicans on the House Oversight Committee called the hearing to spotlight so-called “sanctuary” policies.

  • Gov. Kathy Hochul defended New York’s immigration policies, testifying that the state works with the federal government in criminal cases involving immigrants.
  • The most blunt lines of questioning for Hochul came from two New York Republicans who are toying with whether to run for governor against her: North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Hudson Valley Congressman Mike Lawler. 
  • Hochul called President Donald Trump’s deployment of the national guard and Marines to Los Angeles an “assault” on “American values.”

Hochul faced questions alongside two other Democratic governors, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. 

Hochul repeatedly testified that her state works with the federal government in criminal cases involving immigrants. She said that, since she took office four years ago, the state has handed over more than 1,300 incarcerated non-citizens to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the end of their prison or jail sentences. 

What the state does not do is report or detain immigrants without legal status who have not been charged with or accused of crimes. 

“States like mine are doing our part. They can't be expected to fix the broken immigration system,” Hochul said, imploring congressional lawmakers to overhaul federal immigration laws.

The most blunt lines of questioning for Hochul came from two New York Republicans who are toying with whether to run for governor against her: North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Hudson Valley Congressman Mike Lawler. 

While questioning Hochul, Stefanik cited “horrific” crimes in New York reportedly involving immigrants without legal status. 

“Rapes of young girls, beatings of NYPD cops by illegals who are here under Kathy Hochul's failed policies, burning New Yorkers alive. This is Kathy Hochul’s New York,” Stefanik said. “It's one of the many reasons why you're hemorrhaging support of hard-working New York families.”

Hochul accused Stefanik of trying to get a viral moment. 

Lawler pressed Hochul on whether she would sign the New York for All Act, a bill under consideration by the state Legislature that would limit state collaboration with federal immigration authorities. 

Hochul did not specify what she would do, saying attending the congressional hearing was “keeping me from doing the work of the people back home.” 

The two then exchanged barbs. 

“Governor, you’ve done a terrible job as governor, it’s not keeping you from anything,” Lawler said. “Frankly, New York is better off with you down here and not in the state.”

“I don’t think we’re better off with you here,” Hochul said in reply. 

The hearing comes as the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions have sparked protests across the country, particularly in Los Angeles. 

Hochul called President Donald Trump’s deployment of the national guard and Marines to Los Angeles an “assault” on “American values.”