Stefanik challenges Hochul on the migrant crisis in an intense debate

Congressional Hearing on Immigration Policies in New York

WASHINGTON, DC — During a tense Congressional hearing on sanctuary policies, Rep. Elise Stefanik and Governor Kathy Hochul confronted the ongoing immigration crisis affecting New York.

Stefanik, a Republican from New York, who is eyeing a political partnership with Hochul in the 2026 elections, pressed the governor about a Guatemalan man named Sebastian Zapetta Khalil. Khalil is accused of murdering a woman on the Brooklyn F train last December.

“Do you know who Sebastian Zapetta Khalil is?” Stefanik asked pointedly.

“I’m sure you’ll tell me,” Hochul responded with a hint of sarcasm. “There are many names.”

Stefanik further asserted, “These are well-known cases; New Yorkers are aware of them, right?”

Hochul appeared alongside Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz before the House Committee on Surveillance and Government Reform. The atmosphere was charged, as Rep. Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, criticized Hochul over the case of Jesus Romero Hernandez, a Mexican immigrant who was released from custody despite being wanted on judicial warrants.

“A court order was issued, and yet the local sheriff couldn’t hold him for even an hour and 18 minutes. Are you saying that’s acceptable?” Jordan questioned.

Hochul attempted to explain her position, stating, “We will cooperate when there is a criminal case involved.” She noted that since taking office in 2021, her administration has helped Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remove over 1,300 criminal immigrants.

However, she often dodged direct questions about whether Tompkins County mishandled Hernandez’s case, where policies meant that he couldn’t be detained until federal officials arrived. The suspect had previously pleaded guilty to assault charges but managed to avoid deportation despite a federal order.

“It was a horrifying situation. He shouldn’t have been in New York,” Hochul admitted.

Rep. Nick Langworthy, also a Republican from New York, attacked the state’s Greenlight Act and lenient bail policies, citing them as contributing factors in the murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia.

Langworthy claimed, “Your bail reform law is the reason why Laken Riley is dead.” He described the situation as “incredible,” suggesting it was indicative of denial and misplaced responsibility.

The hearing was noticeably hostile, with Republicans making sharp critiques of Democratic policies. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer stated, “Let’s be clear, the Sanctuary policy doesn’t protect Americans. It protects criminals and illegal aliens.” He further claimed that Hochul’s policies burdened taxpayers significantly and prompted crime that affects communities throughout the state.

In her defense, Hochul argued that New York was indeed collaborating with ICE to deport criminal immigrants but criticized federal responses, labeling them as “abuse of power.”

She concluded, “My stance on immigration is straightforward: Our country needs secure borders, comprehensive reform, and state law mandates cooperation with ICE in criminal matters.”