Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul appeared on PIX 11’s “PIX on Politics with Dan Mannarino,” discussing a range of topics including immigration enforcement, universal child care, and state funding.
Governor Hochul addressed recent national news involving an incident in Minneapolis where a woman was killed by an ICE agent. She expressed concern about the continued presence of ICE agents in cities like Minneapolis and New York. “It was inevitable that something like this would happen. So you have to go back to the primary question, why are they still in places like Minneapolis? 2000 ICE agents, they have been aggressively going after the residents of that city in that region for a long time. And if your effort is to get rid of the worst of the worst, the baddest of the bad — this is what the president promised us — you should identify them and remove them. I’m okay with that. But why do you have to be around and just harass people and continue this onslaught on people that are just trying to make a living for themselves and their families? No, I’m shocked at that but what hurts even more — Dan you’re a parent—” Hochul said.
She highlighted the impact on families affected by such incidents: “There’s a 6-year-old who woke up yesterday with a mom and went to bed as an orphan getting raised by a grandfather — a father she lost. I cannot even comprehend the pain in that family where the child’s going to grow up without parents because of the untrained, in my opinion, behavior. Law enforcement— legitimate law enforcement who take longer training and are committed to their work — this doesn’t happen with them, or it’s very rare because they know how to deescalate. You deescalate, you don’t go up there and be aggressive.”
On whether ICE should remain active in New York following comments from Kristi Noem supporting their continued presence, Hochul stated her opposition: “This is something that we do not want to see in New York. I’d be very opposed to any escalation in the number of ICE agents coming here. But they’re just running amok around this country, so we don’t really know what their next maniacal design is on a place like New York City — we just don’t know.”
Regarding legal recourse for those negatively impacted by ICE actions, Hochul explained: “A negative interaction is having your mother killed, okay? That child is going to have lifelong expenses. So that’s, in my judgment, a private right of action that should be available in those cases, and we’ll make sure it happens in New York. So there’s recourse in the courts against an individual who acts outside the color of law, right? This is not something that’s supposed to happen in the normal course of doing your business.” She also referenced incidents involving journalists injured while covering related stories.
Hochul further commented on sanctuary status: “We don’t need them. We don’t need them here. And they keep mischaracterizing even what sanctuary status means. We will help anyone, help any agent assist in the apprehension and prosecution of the people who are committing these serious crimes…So I think their effort is to create chaos…Crime is down dramatically here in the City of New York and across the State. We don’t need you for a law enforcement presence…Please do not stay, and do not escalate the number of people that are already assigned to this duty.”
The interview also covered plans for universal child care across New York City and State. Discussing collaboration with Mayor Mamdani following their joint announcement earlier that day regarding expansion efforts: “We’ve worked closely since the mayor was elected and I really believed in his vision to make sure that every young person in the City of New York has child care available to them…I’m going to help beef up the slots available for 4-year-old and 3-year-old programs because you have situations where there may be slots for this but there’s openings in a borough far away—and not in your own neighborhood.”
She outlined specific measures being taken: “And that’s part of our vision for Universal child care…He’ll identify specific neighborhoods for this upcoming year to fund over 2000 child care slots…Statewide…we would have universal child care…including cities over a certain amount of time….But we had to build up infrastructure….give higher reimbursements….have bonuses….But I also want to get on a path to have universal 4-year-old and pre-K across State by 2028.”
When asked about funding sources for these initiatives without raising new taxes on high earners or corporations, Hochul responded: “No, what we’ve been able to do is identify existing revenues…a lot of our revenues come from Wall Street bonuses when they’re doing well….for record we’ve already had tax increase on wealthy people….I extended what was supposed be expiration tax increase wealthy just last year…till 2032.” She confirmed further increases were off table:
“Off table?”
“Yes,” she replied.
The discussion also touched upon transportation issues such as free bus service proposals; however Hochul indicated no current plans include such measures but left open possibility for future consideration.
Finally addressing concerns over federal funding amid reports President Trump might withhold funds pending investigations into alleged fraud affecting several states including New York: “No we’re looking at litigation filing lawsuit within hours if not tomorrow morning…Donald Trump is literally declaring war on kids…we lost almost $4 billion by just sending letter alleging some kind fraud without any evidence…they want us turn over incredible volume information…they’re just using this as phishing expedition go after New Yorkers.”
Hochul concluded by confirming she would announce her pick for Lieutenant Governor before February’s convention.
