New York Governor Kathy Hochul, D., described the detention of families, including third-grade children from their homes in upstate New York, as “simply cruel” by U.S. immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) agents.
In a statement made on Tuesday, Hochul expressed her willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement, but emphasized that the recent incident represented a severe and unjust targeting of “innocent families.”
“Under both President Biden and President Trump, I have been clear that I will cooperate with the federal government to secure our borders and assist in the removal of violent offenders.
“This is not the immigration enforcement promised to the American public,” she stated. “It’s simply cruel.”
Hochul called for the family’s release from custody.
“I believe this family should return to New York, and ICE must be held accountable for these actions immediately,” states Hochul.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed to a local media outlet that during another investigation at Sackett Port, New York, Border Patrol agents “encountered seven individuals who were illegally present in the United States, two of whom were minors.”
“These individuals were not part of the original investigation but were detained, processed, and subsequently turned over to Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement added.
According to the CBP statement, seven individuals have already been moved out of state. “We are currently awaiting removal procedures.”
As per school principal Jennifer Gaffney, the three individuals involved are students in the Sackets Harbor School System.
Gaffney mentioned in a statement to the school community reported by a local outlet that they are committed to “ensuring our return to school and that no efforts will go unrewarded.”
Tom Homan, known as the border czar under President Trump, resides in the Sackets Harbor School District, as per a local outlet. Local county Democrats are organizing events this Saturday for supporters to march from the local visitor center to Homan’s residence.
The Trump administration has emphasized immigration enforcement since taking office in January. While the government’s assertive tactics have met sharp criticism from political adversaries, they have received praise for their perceived effectiveness among supporters.
The Oka has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and the CBP for further comments.
