Overview

• Rep. Elise Stefanik pressed Gov. Kathy Hochul at a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing to defend New York’s sanctuary executive orders, arguing they blocked ICE from detaining migrants accused of violent crimes.
• Stefanik cited high-profile cases, including Sebastian Zapeta-Calil’s subway arson and alleged child molestation by undocumented migrants, to illustrate her contention that sanctuary policies threaten public safety.
• Gov. Hochul rejected Stefanik’s accusations as “absolutely false” and emphasized that her administration cooperates with ICE to remove criminal migrants from the state.
• The exchange occurred alongside testimony from Governors Tim Walz and J.B. Pritzker on the scope and impact of sanctuary state laws and immigration enforcement.
• A Siena College poll released last month found 55% of New York voters want a different candidate for governor, highlighting potential hurdles for Hochul’s 2026 reelection bid.