Gov. Kathy Hochul said her latest proposal is about “standing up for New Yorkers” and quelling what she called the growing chaos in immigration enforcement and politics.
In an interview on FOX 5’s “Politics Unusual,” Hochul defended parts of his 2026 State of State agenda, including limits on ICE operations, protections for sensitive locations and new rules targeting AI-generated political content.
Hochul said New York state will continue to cooperate with law enforcement regarding serious crimes, but has drawn a firm line on immigration enforcement. “I support law enforcement, but I don’t want to divert national resources to ICE operations,” she said, adding that the federal government should fund and operate its own operations.
She supported proposals to allow New Yorkers to sue ICE agents for civil rights violations and to require a signed judicial warrant before agents enter schools, hospitals, places of worship, and child care centers. Hochul said these measures will protect families and children from attacks.
“I want the criminals taken away,” she said. “We have always taken people who committed serious crimes and violent crimes and removed them.” She said most immigrants came here in search of a better life and compared them to her own grandparents.
AI, elections, and trust
Hochul also highlighted proposals targeting AI-generated political content. The plan would restrict candidates from using deceptive AI images or sounds within 90 days after an election.
“People need to be able to trust what they see and what they hear,” Hochul said. He said the State Board of Elections will enforce the rules and make it clear that candidates “cannot lie to win an election.”
Money, Taxes, and Washington
Regarding the budget, Hochul said he does not support raising taxes this year, including corporate taxes and taxes on high-income earners, unless federal funding cuts force changes. He pointed to higher-than-expected revenues and said middle-class tax rates are the lowest in 70 years.
He also criticized President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to pull federal funds from New York state, saying the state had to waste time and resources fighting the cuts in court. Hochul said she called the president directly to restore funding for infrastructure and law enforcement grants.
public safety and politics
Hochul reaffirmed his commitment to defund the NYPD and make police visible on the subway. She said crime has dropped significantly and the police presence helps riders feel safe.
Asked about criticism from potential challenger Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Hochul said he has focused on issues that New Yorkers care about and dismissed his comments as political noise.
She ended the interview on a lighter note, saying she would “jump on the table” if the Buffalo Bills made it to the Super Bowl.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been providing information to residents for over 20 years. Any clues? Please send to [email protected].
