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Emigration and immigration

Blue-State Governors Face Immigration Enforcement Scrutiny in Capitol Hill Hearing

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is set to face questioning from House Oversight Committee Republicans on Thursday, amidst allegations that her state's policies protect undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. The hearing, which also includes Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, is a result of U.S. Rep. James Comer's claims that the governors' policies create a "sanctuary" for criminals at the expense of American citizens. Hochul's office has emphasized her commitment to upholding America's values as a nation of laws and immigrants, citing her executive order from 2017 that prohibits most state employees from inquiring about a person's immigration status, except in specific circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

  • The hearing on immigration enforcement is scheduled to take place on Capitol Hill, featuring Governors Kathy Hochul, JB Pritzker, and Tim Walz.
  • U.S. Rep. James Comer claims that the governors' policies create a "sanctuary" for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes.
  • Governor Hochul's 2017 executive order prohibits most state employees from inquiring about a person's immigration status, except in specific circumstances, such as determining eligibility for state programs or benefits.
  • Holcul stated in prepared testimony that New York remains a place where immigrants can prosper, and that she seeks to balance cooperation with federal immigration efforts while respecting the rights of undocumented immigrants.
  • There are varying policies regarding how local police agencies interact with ICE and other federal agencies across New York State, with some cities implementing sanctuary policies and others cooperating with ICE.
  • The New York For All Act, which would restrict local interactions with ICE, has not been backed by Governor Hochul or top state lawmakers.
  • Republicans are backing Laken's Law, which would require local police agencies to contact ICE if they arrest undocumented immigrants.

Statistics:

  • 2017: Execute order signed by Governor Kathy Hochul regarding state police and other agencies handling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
  • 4: Broad categories where New York State would cooperate with federal government on immigration cases, according to Governor Hochul's January statement.
  • 2017: The year in which Governor Hochul's 2017 executive order was enacted.

Sources:

  • (https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/EO_%23_170.pdf)
  • (https://gothamist.com/news/mayor-adams-fends-off-democrats-attacks-in-house-hearing-on-sanctuary-cities)
  • (https://x.com/GOPoversight/status/1932830203237064833)
  • (https://gothamist.com/news/ny-will-cooperate-with-feds-on-some-immigration-cases-gov-hochul-says)
  • (https://gothamist.com/news/how-a-shoplifting-arrest-in-upstate-ny-summoned-ice-and-separated-a-family)

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