New York, NY—Today, New York Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address to announce her priorities for New York in 2026. The Governor announced that “New York will not allow the use of State resources to assist in federal immigration raids on people who have not committed serious crimes.” The Governor also pledged to protect communities from ICE abuse and hold federal officers accountable when they violate New Yorkers’ constitutional rights.
The Governor’s address comes as New Yorkers confront an intensifying crisis fueled by the Trump administration, including cuts to essential public services, an affordability crisis, and a dangerous escalation of its mass deportation campaign.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“As federal overreach escalates and ICE targets immigrants in their homes and workplaces with impunity, New Yorkers are paying the price through broken families and destabilized communities. New York has a clear opportunity and responsibility to lead by protecting its people and its economy. We thank Governor Hochul for committing to not using state resources for federal immigration enforcement, and New York For All is the comprehensive bill that will end collusion with ICE without a judicial warrant. With the majority of New Yorkers rejecting ICE’s abusive tactics and Trump’s deportation agenda, the State must take decisive action to enact New York for All now. As the federal government accelerates its aggressive deportation machine, New York must protect due process by meeting the historic surge in legal needs. We are calling for full funding of immigrant legal services at $175 million and the passage of the Access to Representation and BUILD Acts to ensure every New Yorker has a fighting chance to stay with their families and in their communities.
“Rent and grocery bills are still too high–especially for our low-income communities. For an affordable future, New Yorkers need to see solid investments in programs like the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP), language access, and other essential services to help New Yorkers keep a roof over their head and food on the table. And while we applaud initial investments to kickstart the Census planning process, the state needs durable infrastructure for both community-based organizations and localities to ensure every New Yorker is counted. Now it’s time for the State to turn promises into action—and deliver for all New Yorkers.”