Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) obliterated current New York Gov. Kathy Hochul during a debate that took place while Hochul was providing testimony before Congress concerning the sanctuary city policy of the state. Stefanik is currently a candidate in the 2026 GOP primary to take on the incumbent Hochul next year for the governor seat.
The fireworks started when Stefanik asked Hochul about her first day as governor saying, “Thank you. Governor Hochul, on your first day in office, you signed Executive Order 1. Is that correct?” Hochul took a long pause, as if she couldn’t recall signing the order. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Hochul responds, “I believe it is.”
Stefanik then went on to ask Hochul about the extensions of the order, which is related to the topic of the sanctuary city policy of New York, saying, “And you extended this executive order, not once, not twice, but three times, most recently January 16th of this year. Is that correct?”
Hochul responded, “If that’s what your facts show, I’ve signed countless executive orders and policies.” Clearly, the governor, a deep blue Democrat, is trying to tap dance like Danny Kaye from White Christmas all around the questions Stefanik is asking. It’s an attempt to avoid taking direct responsibility for an unpopular policy that has increased crime rates and put her constituents in danger.
However, Stefanik is having none of it. “I would assume you’d know. It’s Executive Order One. This is a continuation of your predecessor’s sanctuary state policies. Correct? Is included in that?” Hochul then launches into a bit where she attempts to provide the proper definition of “sanctuary state,” saying, “I want to be sure we are defining sanctuary state properly.”
Stefanik breaks in, saying, “I’ll define it for you. It is the policy of this state that state officers or employees shall not disclose information to federal immigration authorities for the purpose of federal civil immigration enforcement.” The congresswoman continues, “It goes on to say law enforcement officers may not use resources, equipment, or personnel for the purpose of detecting and apprehending any individuals suspected or wanted for violating a civil immigration offense.”
She continues to read the law to Hochul, before Congress, saying, “Law enforcement officers have no authority in the state of New York to take any policy actions because the person is an undocumented alien.” Stefanik then burns Hochul’s biscuits by bringing illegal immigrant Sakir Akkan, who crossed into the United States illegally and ended up being arrested for the rape of a 15-year-old girl.
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“That’s a quote in your executive orders that you extended. Now, do you know who Sakhir Akkan is?” Hochel tries desperately to change the subject, responding, “I want to get back to the first part –” but Stefanik, again, will have none of it. “No, I’m asking a question. Do you know who Sakir Akkan is?”
“I want to make sure you understand this,” Hochul replies,”It simply says we will cooperate with ICE.” The New York Republican fires back, “No, it does not say that. I read what it says, and let me talk to you about the results. Do you know who Sakir Akkan is? You should as governor of New York State. Do you know?”
Hochul, realizing it’s futile to try and divert Stefanik from her question says, “Refresh my recollection.” Stefanik obliges. “He was an illegal migrant in New York. And do you know what crime he committed in addition to being here illegally?” Hochul responds, “No, I do not.”
“You do not? This was widely reported. He found a 15-year-old girl, threatened her with a metal pole, told her to get in the backseat of his car. He took her clothes off and he violently raped her in Albany, New York.” Stefanik continues the grilling by bringing up another illegal immigrant criminal: Sebastian Zapeta-Calil.
“I’m sure you’ll tell me. There’s many cases –” Hochul tries to interject, but Stefanik shuts her down. “These are high-profile cases. New Yorkers know about them and you don’t? So let’s talk about Sebastian Zapeta-Calil. Do you know who that is?”
“I do not have those specific details at my disposal, no,” Hochul, who seems resigned to the fact she’s simply going to get toasted on both sides during this hearing, says. “Well this is an illegal migrant in New York because of your sanctuary state policies. Do you know what crime he committed?”
Once again, Hochul answers in the negative. “I bet you’re going to be familiar when I remind you. He found a sleeping woman on the subway, lit her on fire, and burned her alive.” She then drives home the point that these crimes and plenty of others are happening in New York under Hochul’s leadership. Stefanik then reminds Hochul that Immigration Customs and Enforcement issued an order to detain Zapeta-Calil, but the order was rejected by officials in New York due to sanctuary state laws.
As Stefanik tries to bring up another example of the terrible crimes committed due to Hochul’s policies, the governor interrupts and says, “I just want to say this. These crimes are horrific. I condemn them.” Before she can continue, Stefanik slams her again, saying, “Because of your sanctuary state policies.” Hochul tries to save face saying that in these cases officials would work with ICE to deal with these criminals.
“You did not in this case,” the congresswoman fires back. “They’re walking on the streets because of your policies and your executive orders that you signed three times.”Hochul gets taken to the woodshed for several more minutes before the conclusion.
Featured image: screenshot from embedded video