Stefanik Challenges Hochul Over Sanctuary Policies, Migrant Crimes in New York Hearing

During a House Oversight hearing on immigration policies, Rep. Elise Stefanik confronted New York Governor Kathy Hochul over the state's sanctuary policies and their alleged role in enabling crimes by illegal immigrants. Stefanik questioned Hochul about specific criminal cases involving migrants, highlighting Hochul's apparent unfamiliarity with the incidents, which Stefanik used to criticize her as an absentee governor. Hochul defended her administration's cooperation with federal immigration authorities, citing the removal of over 1,300 criminal migrants since 2021, but stopped short of condemning local policies that limit cooperation with ICE. The hearing underscored political tensions as Stefanik, who is considering a gubernatorial run in 2026, sought to spotlight Hochul's immigration stance, with other potential challengers present. Democrats, including Hochul, framed the exchange as a political maneuver, while Republicans accused her of shielding illegal immigrants and contributing to public safety risks. The debate revealed the deep divisions over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies in New York ahead of the upcoming election cycle.