New York Governor Kathy Hochul faced sharp criticism Thursday during a House Oversight Committee hearing after she was unable to identify multiple high-profile criminal cases involving illegal immigrants in her state.
The questioning was led by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who pressed Hochul to account for the consequences of New York’s sanctuary state policies.
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Kathy Hochul imploding live in realtime And we are just a few rounds in! I’ve had many, many witnesses over the years, no one weaker than Kathy Hochul. The Worst Governor in America. TUNE IN! — Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) June 12, 2025
During the hearing on sanctuary jurisdictions, Stefanik referenced several recent criminal cases, including that of Sakir Akkan, a 21-year-old accused of raping a 15-year-old girl in Albany, and Sebastian Zapeta Khalil, who is charged with burning a woman alive on a New York City subway in January.
“These are high-profile cases, New Yorkers know about them and you don’t? Let’s talk about Sebastian Zapeta Khalil. Do you know who that is?” Stefanik asked.
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Governor Hochul responded that she did not know the name. Stefanik continued, “Well this is an illegal migrant in New York because of your sanctuary state policies. Do you know what crime he committed?”
When Hochul again stated she was unfamiliar with the individual, Stefanik replied, “I bet you’re gonna be familiar when I remind you. He found a sleeping woman on the subway, lit her on fire and burned her alive. This is in Kathy Hochul’s New York. And as I’m sure you are aware, and I’ll remind you, that [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] issued an order to detain this violent criminal, but that was rejected by New York officials due to sanctuary state laws.”
According to ICE, Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan national who had previously been deported, was unlawfully residing in the United States when he murdered 57-year-old Debrina Kawam.
He has been charged with multiple counts, including murder and arson.
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Stefanik also cited additional cases involving illegal immigrants arrested for violent crimes in New York.
One case involved Raymond Rojas Basilio, a Mexican national, who was arrested in New York City on December 18, 2024, for allegedly raping a victim under the age of 11.
Another case involved Wilson Castillo Diaz, 26, who was arrested in Nassau County on October 16, 2024, for the alleged rape of a 5-year-old girl.
“You’re not advocating for these victims. This is a 5-year-old who was raped on Long Island in Nassau County,” Stefanik said.
“You are not advocating on behalf of these victims, you are shielding illegals. Even in your opening statement, you prioritize putting illegals first. Rapes of young girls, beatings of [New York Police Department] cops by illegals who are here under Kathy Hochul’s failed policies. Burning New Yorkers alive. This is Kathy Hochul’s New York.”
In response, Hochul stated, “That is not true. These are horrific crimes and they’re heartbreaking.”
She denied that her administration’s policies shield violent offenders and claimed that the state cooperates with ICE when appropriate.
Stefanik argued that New York’s continuation of an executive order issued by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, which designates the state as a sanctuary jurisdiction, directly contributes to these crimes.
The executive order limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, a point of contention between state officials and federal agencies.
Governor Hochul countered that Stefanik’s characterization of her policies was inaccurate and misleading.
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MUST WATCH: The Worst Governor in America Kathy Hochul implodes about her record on failing to protect New Yorkers from violent, criminal illegal aliens during today's @GOPoversight committee hearing. She doesn’t even know the criminals, the crimes, or the victims.… pic.twitter.com/p3WEefXrhQ — Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) June 12, 2025
However, Border Czar Tom Homan, who oversees ICE operations, has previously criticized New York’s sanctuary policies.
During a December 2024 interview with Fox News, Homan said, “ICE has its hands tied in sanctuary jurisdictions. It makes it nearly impossible for our agents to detain and remove dangerous illegal alien criminals from communities.”
The exchange comes amid heightened scrutiny of sanctuary policies in cities and states where violent crimes have been linked to individuals residing in the country illegally.
Republicans on the Oversight Committee continue to call for increased cooperation between local governments and federal immigration authorities to prevent such incidents.
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If YOUR local “Authority” is of the undemocratic “Democrat” version – Just How Safe Do You Feel 24 hours every day ?
How Safe are All Your Family – again – 24 Hours Every Day and Night ?
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Tampon Tim and Hochul and Gavin Newscumbag. How many more snakes can the DNC find under rocks to elect in order to demonstrate their hate for our country as the Real Enemies from within ????