Hochul Issues Pardons for Migrants with Criminal Convictions, Including Man Who Shot and Killed Someone

Gov. Kathy Hochul has granted pardons to more than a dozen migrants with decades-old criminal convictions, a move that includes clemency for a Laotian man involved in a fatal shooting more than 30 years ago.

According to the New York Times, Hochul recently pardoned 13 migrants. Among them was Somchith Vatthanavong, 52, who entered the United States illegally and was convicted of manslaughter in 1990.

Vatthanavong, who came to the U.S. after the Vietnam War, told the paper that he acted in self-defense during a fight outside a pool hall when he fatally shot another man. Defending her decision, Hochul said, “They’ve paid their debt, and I’ll be damned if I let them be deported to a country where they don’t know a soul.”

She added, “And to those who would demonize them to score political points, I ask: Where is your compassion?”

Unlike commutations, which shorten prison sentences, pardons in these cases do not erase convictions but instead prevent other consequences such as immigration removal proceedings. Since the individuals had already been released from custody, the pardons primarily protect them from deportation.

The decision represents a shift from Hochul’s prior stance. Earlier this year, her office told Congress, “There is no sanctuary in New York for people who commit crimes. New York is committed to cracking down on gang members and violent criminals, and State officials cooperate with ICE and CBP in many circumstance.”

In her statement following the Times report, Hochul said, “After careful deliberation, I’m granting clemency to thirteen individuals who have demonstrated remorse for their actions and exemplify a commitment to bettering their communities.”

The pardons included lawful permanent residents originally from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and South Africa. It remains unclear how many, aside from Vatthanavong, entered the country illegally.

Following his conviction, Vatthanavong was ordered deported by an immigration judge. However, removal never occurred because Laos has long refused to cooperate with U.S. deportation efforts.

Hochul’s office has not said whether additional pardons for migrants in similar situations are planned. Officials confirmed the governor has received 84 pardon applications and 186 commutation requests so far this year.

Hochul Issues Pardons for Migrants with Criminal Convictions, Including Man Who Shot and Killed Someone