Stefanik clashes with Hochul over migrant crime in NY: 'I'm standing up for New Yorkers'

New York GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik on Thursday laid into her state's Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul on an increase in crime committed by illegal migrants under her watch, and claimed she was "standing up for New Yorkers." 

The exchange occurred during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, where the Republican cited an immigration executive order that was signed by Hochul, which outlines rules for state law enforcement in dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. 

Hochul appeared in front of the House committee alongside other Democratic sanctuary state governors, including Minnesota's Tim Walz and Illinois' JB Pritzker. 

Stefanik referenced several recent crimes that were allegedly committed by illegal migrants, including an incident where a woman was burned to death on a New York City subway train last year.

“This is Kathy Hochul’s New York. It’s one of the many reasons why you’re hemorrhaging support from hardworking New York families,” Stefanik said. “They’re horrific crimes that are committed on your watch. You signed this executive order on your first day in office. You signed it again, and [then] again this January. We deserved a governor who stands up for New Yorkers, who doesn’t put illegals first but actually puts New Yorkers first." 

Hochul struggled to remember details about the incidents but repeatedly stated that she does not support the "horrific crimes" that the lawmaker pointed out. However, she also accused Stefanik of looking for a "viral moment."

“No, no, no. I’m standing up for New Yorkers,” Stefanik responded.

The exchange comes as Stefanik is reportedly considering a potential 2026 gubernatorial run. Hochul is already facing a tough reelection next year after she narrowly won a first term in 2022, defeating Republican Lee Zeldin, who had been a U.S. representative and is now the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator.  

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.