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New York Governor Kathy Hochul came under intense scrutiny Thursday during a House Oversight Committee hearing on sanctuary state policies, as she struggled to identify a series of violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants residing in New York.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Chair of the House Republican Conference, led the line of questioning, sharply criticizing Hochul for being unaware of several recent, high-profile cases—cases that, Stefanik argued, underscore the dangers of New York’s sanctuary policies.
Among the incidents raised was the case of Sebastian Zapeta Khalil, a Guatemalan national accused of burning a woman alive aboard a New York City subway in January. When asked directly if she knew his name, Hochul replied that she did not.
“You don’t know who that is?” Stefanik pressed. “He found a sleeping woman on the subway, lit her on fire, and burned her alive. This is in Kathy Hochul’s New York.”
Zapeta, who had previously been deported, was reportedly living illegally in the U.S. when he murdered 57-year-old Debrina Kawam. Despite an ICE detainer issued for him, state officials did not honor it—citing sanctuary guidelines.
“ICE wanted to detain this violent criminal, but your sanctuary state policies prevented it,” Stefanik said. “You are not advocating for these victims—you are shielding illegals.”
Stefanik then listed other horrific crimes, including:
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Raymond Rojas Basilio, a Mexican national, arrested in NYC in December 2024 for the alleged rape of a child under 11.
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Wilson Castillo Diaz, 26, arrested in Nassau County in October 2024 for the alleged rape of a 5-year-old girl.
“You’re not putting New Yorkers first. You’re putting illegal immigrants first—even in your opening statement,” Stefanik said. “This is Kathy Hochul’s New York: where ICE is ignored, children are raped, NYPD officers are assaulted, and citizens are burned alive by people who shouldn’t be here in the first place.”
Hochul, in response, called the crimes “horrific” and “heartbreaking,” but rejected the claim that her administration protects violent offenders. She insisted the state cooperates with ICE “when appropriate” and defended New York’s policies as consistent with legal and constitutional standards.
Stefanik also pointed to a 2017 executive order—still in effect—that was issued by former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The order restricts local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration agencies without a judicial warrant, a policy Stefanik says continues to endanger the public.
“This executive order makes your state a sanctuary for criminals,” Stefanik declared.
The exchange marked one of the most heated moments in the hearing, reflecting growing national outrage over crimes committed by individuals living in the U.S. illegally. ICE officials, including Border Czar Tom Homan, have repeatedly criticized sanctuary jurisdictions like New York for hamstringing immigration enforcement.
“ICE has its hands tied,” Homan said in a December 2024 interview. “We’re being asked to do our jobs with both arms behind our backs.”
Republicans on the Oversight Committee say they will continue pushing legislation to compel state and local cooperation with ICE, arguing that public safety depends on it.
