Stefanik exposes Hochul’s memory gaps on violent crimes by illegal immigrants

New York Governor Kathy Hochul faced tough questioning during a congressional hearing regarding her state’s sanctuary policies and her knowledge of high-profile cases involving illegal immigrants charged with violent offenses. Hochul, who succeeded Andrew Cuomo, extended an executive order multiple times that restricts state officers from disclosing information to federal immigration authorities for civil enforcement purposes.

During the hearing, Rep. Elise Stefanik brought up several cases, including that of Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala who set a sleeping woman on fire on a New York City subway. Hochul struggled to recall details of the case, prompting Stefanik to remind her of the gruesome crime committed by Zapeta-Calil. The governor also failed to recognize Sakir Akkan, a Turkish immigrant who raped a 15-year-old girl in Albany, and Raymond Rojas Basilio, a Mexican national convicted of molesting a child.

Stefanik accused Hochul of shielding illegal immigrants from federal enforcement, allowing them to commit heinous crimes in New York. The congresswoman highlighted the case of Wilson Castillo Diaz, another illegal immigrant arrested for raping a 5-year-old girl in Nassau County. Despite Hochul’s claims of cooperating with federal law enforcement, Stefanik argued that the governor’s sanctuary policies prioritize illegal immigrants over law-abiding New Yorkers.

Hochul defended her administration’s actions, stating that they do collaborate with federal authorities on criminal matters. However, Stefanik criticized her for failing to prioritize the safety of New York residents and allowing violent crimes to occur under her watch. The congresswoman emphasized the importance of putting New Yorkers first and holding accountable those who commit serious offenses.

The exchange between Hochul and Stefanik underscored the ongoing debate over sanctuary policies and their impact on public safety. While the governor maintained her stance on cooperation with federal law enforcement, Stefanik raised concerns about the consequences of prioritizing the protection of illegal immigrants over the well-being of local communities. The hearing highlighted the need for a balanced approach to immigration enforcement that ensures both security and justice for all residents of New York.