In a press conference, New York Governor Kathy Hochul reveals that $50 million in state taxpayer funds will be allocated to provide legal services for immigrants facing deportation proceedings. Standing alongside New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, Hochul emphasizes the need to support immigrants who lack legal representation, framing the initiative as a response to federal immigration enforcement actions. The announcement, part of the existing 2025 state budget, has sparked debate over the use of public funds for this purpose.
What Kathy Hochul Likely Speaks About Regarding the $50 Million for Immigrant Legal Services:
According to multiple sources, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on June 17, 2025, that New York State would allocate $50 million in taxpayer funds to provide legal services for immigrants facing deportation, particularly in response to federal immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration. In her speech, likely delivered at a press conference in Brooklyn alongside New York City Comptroller Brad Lander after his arrest during an immigration-related incident, Hochul emphasizes:
- Support for Immigrants: Hochul expresses concern for immigrants “taken away from their families” without access to legal representation, stating, “They don’t have the attention. They don’t have the lawyers,” and frames the $50 million as a state effort to ensure legal support for those in immigration court.
- Response to Federal Actions: She criticizes the Trump administration’s immigration policies, calling the arrest of Lander “bullshit” and a challenge to New York’s values, positioning the funding as part of a broader “fight” against federal deportation efforts.
- Budget Context: The $50 million is not new funding but part of the $64.2 million already allocated in the 2025 state budget for immigrant legal services, which advocates note is less than the $165 million they requested. Hochul does not explicitly support related legislation like the Access to Representation bill, which would guarantee legal counsel in immigration cases.
- Political Backlash: The announcement draws criticism from Republicans, including Rep. Elise Stefanik, who accuses Hochul of prioritizing “illegals first, New Yorkers last,” arguing the funds should address local needs instead. X posts reflect public outrage, with users calling the decision “insane” and demanding Hochul’s removal.
Clarifications:
- The funds are for legal services for immigrants, including undocumented individuals, but the term “illegal immigrants” is contentious; Hochul refers to them as immigrants or asylum seekers.
- The announcement coincides with heightened tensions over New York’s sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with ICE, though Hochul insists the state cooperates in criminal cases, having transferred 1,300 noncitizens to ICE since 2021.
Sources: Video recording evidence , tv503.com/new-york-gov
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