Republicans Criticize Hochul’s Immigration Policies Ahead of Testimony

ALBANY — A Republican lawmaker from New York shared his thoughts with Congressional colleagues as Governor Kathy Hochul prepares to testify on sanctuary policies this Thursday.

In a letter to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, GOP members expressed concerns before Hochul heads to Washington, D.C. They highlighted ongoing issues related to sanctuary laws in New York State.

“Bipartisan concerns have been raised, including notable warnings from Mayor Eric Adams. It’s clear that Governor Hochul’s sanctuary policies have directly contributed to the immigration crisis we’re facing,” stated Staten Island Congressman Michael Tannoucis, who co-signed the letter with other New York Republicans.

Tannoucis went on to say they think Hochul should be accountable for not overturning the sanctuary policy, describing it as a case of “taxpayer recklessness.”

Hochul is expected to provide testimony alongside Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, with the hearing slated to begin at 10 a.m.

In their correspondence, the lawmakers urged House Republicans to press Hochul on several points:

• Why New York continues to accept immigrants amid the existing crisis
• Concerns regarding public safety and the review process for immigration
• A controversial $432 million contract awarded to DocGo to address the crisis
• Justification for approximately $4 billion spent on immigration issues
• Reasons some local governments have not received reimbursement for immigration-related costs

Tannoucis expressed that he hopes the House Oversight Committee will follow up to ensure “accountability” after Hochul’s testimony.

The governor has been attempting to find a delicate balance concerning the state’s sanctuary policy, which is largely rooted in an executive order from 2017 issued by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is currently running for mayor of New York City.

Hochul had been expected to provide clear guidance on how New York State will engage with federal immigration authorities. However, her office only shared a vague outline of four scenarios in which state law enforcement might work with federal agents—like in cases of judicial warrants or ongoing investigations into other offenses committed in New York.

Earlier this year, Hochul mentioned she was “happily off” to Washington for the hearing, stating, “Our policy in New York is not to utilize state resources for enforcing civil violations.”