New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signaled a willingness to work with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement, but with important caveats. The Democratic governor made it clear she would assist federal efforts targeting criminals while defending immigrants who are employed and contributing to the state's economy.
According to Breitbart, Hochul made these comments Tuesday during an appearance on MSNBC's "The Briefing," where she outlined her approach to federal immigration policies under President Trump's administration.
During her remarks, the governor drew a sharp distinction between violent offenders and working immigrants seeking asylum. This position reflects ongoing tensions between Democratic-led states and the federal government over immigration enforcement priorities.
Hochul explicitly stated her willingness to help remove violent criminals from New York while opposing deportations of employed immigrants. Her position attempts to balance cooperation with federal authorities against protecting immigrant communities that contribute to the state's economy.
"I will work with the Trump Administration to remove the people he said he was going after. I will help you get the criminals out of here, the ones who are violent criminals who are hurting other people, the human traffickers, the people who are dealing in drugs, people with guns," Hochul declared during the interview.
The governor emphasized that this cooperative approach has historical precedent, noting that state authorities "have been doing this for years" regarding the removal of individuals engaged in criminal activity. Her stance aligns with traditional law enforcement priorities while challenging broader deportation efforts.
Hochul highlighted specific concerns about how current immigration policies might impact New York's healthcare and service industries. She specifically referenced 160 home health aides who could lose their status and employment.
"Don't take the home health care aides, the 160 who are going to lose their jobs that I met today and talk to. They'll lose their jobs and they lose their status. You know what that means there's 160 vulnerable New Yorkers who are going to lose their caregivers," the governor explained, connecting immigration policy directly to healthcare consequences for state residents.
She extended this concern to other sectors, mentioning workers in "restaurants and hospitality" who contribute to the economy. Hochul argued that allowing immigrants to "get jobs, pay their taxes, be part of our communities" represents a continuation of American values.
Hochul connected current immigration debates to her own family history, referencing her grandfather's experience as a migrant worker. This personal perspective adds emotional weight to her policy positions.
"Everybody comes and starts out in struggles but you know what? Over time it works. It's the American dream," the governor remarked, framing current immigration issues within a historical context of opportunity and generational advancement.
The governor also addressed the status of asylum seekers and those with temporary protected status, including approximately 300,000 Venezuelans and immigrants from Haiti. Hochul characterized the revocation of these protections as "just like a cruel joke on them."
Hochul's comments represent an attempt to find a compromise on one of the most divisive political issues in America. Her position acknowledges the legitimacy of some federal immigration enforcement while defending certain immigrant communities.
"Let's find them a legal pathway. Let's give them work authorization," Hochul suggested, offering potential policy solutions beyond simple enforcement approaches. This stance reflects broader Democratic priorities regarding immigration reform.
The governor's willingness to assist with targeted deportation efforts while opposing broader actions demonstrates the complex negotiations taking place between state and federal authorities. This balancing act continues a pattern of selective cooperation that has characterized immigration policy debates in recent years.
