Rep. Stefanik Questions NY Gov. Hochul on Sanctuary Policies and Crime

Executive Order and Sanctuary State Definition

• 📌 Representative Stefanik questioned Governor Hochul regarding Executive Order One, which she has extended multiple times.
• 🎯 Stefanik defined New York's sanctuary state policy as one where state officers do not disclose information to federal immigration authorities for civil immigration enforcement.
• 📜 The policy also states that law enforcement may not use resources for detecting or apprehending individuals solely for violating civil immigration laws, and officers have no authority to take action solely because a person is an undocumented alien.

Allegations of Crimes Committed by Undocumented Immigrants

• 🚨 Stefanik presented several high-profile cases of alleged crimes committed by undocumented immigrants in New York, including violent rape and arson.
• 💔 She accused Governor Hochul of shielding these individuals due to sanctuary state policies, preventing cooperation with ICE.
• 🗣️ Stefanik highlighted specific cases such as Sakir Akan, Sebastian Zapita Khalil, Raymond Rojas Basilio, and Wilson Castillo Diaz, detailing the alleged crimes and their impact on victims.

Governor Hochul's Response and Policy Stance

• 💬 Governor Hochul stated that New York does cooperate with ICE in criminal prosecutions and that the allegations presented by Stefanik are false.
• ⚖️ She emphasized that the state's policies are designed to ensure cooperation with federal immigration authorities in criminal matters.
• ⚠️ Hochul suggested that Stefanik was focusing on viral moments rather than addressing the broader immigration and crime issues accurately.

Accusations of Prioritizing Immigrants Over New Yorkers

• 🚩 Stefanik accused Hochul of prioritizing undocumented immigrants over law-abiding New Yorkers and victims of crime.
• 📉 She argued that Hochul's policies are a primary reason for the state "hemorrhaging support" from its residents.
• 🗽 Stefanik called for a governor who prioritizes New Yorkers first, rather than implementing "far-left sanctuary state policies."