Hochul Faces Backlash After Visiting Families of Migrants Detained by ICE

Governor Kathy Hochul is under fire for what critics call a “performative” response following the detention of two SUNY Upstate Medical University employees by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The two men, both Cuban nationals legally authorized to live and work in the United States, were taken into custody Wednesday at ICE’s Mattydale office during what was reportedly a routine immigration hearing. The incident has sparked outrage among union officials and immigrant-rights advocates, bringing renewed criticism of Hochul’s handling of immigration and state employee protections.

Hochul met with the men’s families and union representatives days after the detentions, saying her administration is helping ensure they receive legal counsel. But many see the governor’s involvement as politically calculated and a slap in the face to residents of New York.

“This is a very treacherous time in our society, when individuals who lived here for years and are high-functioning members of our community working at SUNY Upstate are the ones who are defined as the worst of the worst,” Hochul said.

The governor’s statement drew skepticism from union leaders who pointed out that her administration oversees the very state institutions that employed the men, yet offered no proactive legal or workplace protections before ICE’s intervention.

Both men worked in SUNY Upstate’s environmental services department and have been state employees since 2022 and 2024, respectively, according to the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). The hospital itself confirmed that both had “legal authorization to live and work in the U.S.”

Union officials, including United University Professions (UUP) President Frederick Kowal, said the men were fully integrated members of the community, owning a home in North Syracuse and maintaining spotless employment records.

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan condemned the arrests, calling the detained workers “co-workers, neighbors and valued contributors” to the hospital and community.

“No one should be punished for following the law,” Sullivan said. “Our union members and all hospital employees deserve dignity, respect and the chance to live and work without fear.”

Critics note that Hochul’s recent rhetoric on public safety and immigration, including her reluctance to challenge controversial federal enforcement actions, has alienated many progressives.

While Hochul insists her administration is “working to ensure both men have good legal representation,” advocates say the time for decisive action was before ICE agents detained state employees during work-related legal proceedings.

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Hochul Faces Backlash After Visiting Families of Migrants Detained by ICE