As the blizzard swept across New York this weekend, Governor Kathy Hochul’s handling of federal assistance from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem drew sharp criticism. The storm brought significant snowfall to various parts of the state, with New Shokan reporting a high of 22 inches, while other regions received substantial accumulations as well. Despite the pressing need for aid, Hochul’s response shifted from gratitude for help to a focus on federal immigration enforcement.
Hochul’s statement regarding Noem’s offer reveals a political angle. Instead of confirming the acceptance of federal help, she remarked, “the fastest way to help is for ICE to back off,” suggesting that federal immigration actions might prevent residents from seeking refuge during the storm. This response was not well received. Critics quickly took to social media to express disdain. The Staten Island Young Republicans branded her the “worst governor in history,” while another account called her a “border checkpoint for cartels.”
The negative feedback didn’t stop there. Conservative commentator Steve Guest accused Hochul of prioritizing politics over the well-being of her constituents. He pointed out that during the storm, three New Yorkers had died due to the extreme cold. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that when lives are at stake, rejecting assistance is unacceptable.
Further complicating the narrative, a source claimed Hochul hadn’t outright rejected federal help and that support for local storm-related requests had come from Albany. However, Hochul subsequently escalated the situation by demanding the removal of Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino and calling for Noem’s resignation. “She has forfeited her right to lead,” Hochul stated, adding that federal agents were acting as if they were “above the law.”
In a more lighthearted moment, Hochul commented on snow handling, sharing advice from her experience as a governor from Buffalo. This juxtaposition of serious governance with everyday anecdotes highlights her mixed messages during a critical time when many New Yorkers were grappling with severe weather.
The ongoing storm has not only exposed the strain of New York’s response to natural and manmade emergencies but also serves as a reminder of the contentious political landscape surrounding immigration policy. Hochul’s actions can be viewed as an attempt to navigate these turbulent waters, but they may have backfired, leading to increased scrutiny and backlash from constituents and political opponents alike.
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