GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman announced Tuesday his intention to end New York's sanctuary state policies if elected, pledging to sign an executive order to that effect on his first day in office. The announcement was made alongside Rep. Mike Lawler, who delivered a strong criticism of Gov. Kathy Hochul regarding the state's immigration policies.
Blakeman and Lawler gathered in Chappaqua with the family of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old who was killed by an individual with a prior deportation record. They called for increased cooperation between law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
"The insanity is over, we’re putting New Yorkers first," Blakeman stated. "On January 1st, as governor, I will sign an executive order, New York State is no longer a sanctuary state."
The Nassau County executive criticized Hochul for directives that he claims prevent local police and sheriffs from collaborating with federal immigration agents. "One of the toughest days of my being county executive was the day that I had to tell our police and our sheriffs that they could no longer cooperate with ICE because of Kathy Hochul," he said.
Lawler highlighted several cases to support his criticism. He referenced Juan Guambana, 50, who was arrested in October and charged with six felony counts of unlawful surveillance. Guambana had previously been deported in 2020 and re-entered the U.S. in 2021, according to Lawler.
Lawler also pointed to Putnam County, where Diego Rodriguez-Ordonez, 24, was arrested twice within 18 hours on September 29. Rodriguez-Ordonez was first arrested for allegedly robbing a gas station and assaulting a clerk. He was later arrested again for allegedly touching a woman inappropriately on a Metro-North train. Lawler stated that Rodriguez-Ordonez had been deported in 2018 and has eight prior criminal convictions.
According to Lawler, a Department of Homeland Security count indicates that New York has released nearly 7,000 immigrants with criminal records despite ICE requests to detain them. "In what f—king world does anybody think that that’s acceptable?" Lawler questioned, adding, "We’re going to be back here, because Kathy Hochul’s too f—king stupid to figure this out."
The Republicans urged an end to New York's restrictions on local law enforcement's ability to partner with ICE. Hochul's Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, which became effective in August, prohibits formal agreements that would allow local officers to perform immigration enforcement duties for ICE.
Fifteen New York sheriffs have filed a lawsuit challenging the law, arguing it infringes upon their authority in making public safety decisions. Governor Hochul's office has stated that the state will continue to assist ICE in pursuing immigrants accused of violent or serious crimes.
Tom and Jessica Gorman, parents of Sheridan Gorman, attended the press conference. Jessica Gorman expressed her desire to be grieving privately but stated she was present because she cares about other children's safety.