Fact Check: Kathy Hochul Announces $50 Million for Legal Services
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul held a press conference where she stated that the state is providing $50 million to cover legal services for immigrants facing detention by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) who cannot afford legal representation. This announcement was made in the context of supporting City Comptroller Brad Lander, who had been detained by ICE while assisting migrants at a courthouse (source-1, source-4). However, it is important to note that the funding for these legal services had already been included in the state budget and was not a new allocation. The actual budget for immigrant legal aid is $64.2 million, which means the figure Hochul cited was lower than the actual amount (source-4, source-6).
Analysis
The claim that Governor Hochul announced $50 million for legal services is partially true. While she did mention this amount during her press conference, it misrepresents the broader context of the funding. The funding was not newly allocated; it was part of a previously established budget for immigrant legal aid that had been signed into law on May 9, 2025 (source-4, source-6). Moreover, the governor's office confirmed that there was no new allocated amount, indicating that the funding was not a fresh initiative but rather a reiteration of existing support (source-4).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the New York Post and City & State being established news outlets that report on state politics and policy. However, it is essential to recognize that media outlets can have varying degrees of bias, and the framing of the issue may differ based on the publication's editorial stance.
Conclusion
The claim that Governor Kathy Hochul announced $50 million for legal services is partially true. While the figure was mentioned, it does not reflect a new allocation but rather a previously established budget for immigrant legal aid, which is actually $64.2 million. This discrepancy is crucial for understanding the context of the funding and the governor's statements.
