New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has ordered the New York National Guard to deploy at stations throughout New York City’s vast mass transit system.
“Anyone looking to do harm, or spread fear on our subways, you will be caught, plain and simple, there will be consequences,” said Gov. Hochul. “And to those who are feeling anxious, whenever you walk through those turnstiles: we will stop at nothing to keep you safe.”
Hochul’s order comes as New York City faces a massive crime wave due, in part, to its status as a sanctuary city, which has prevented it from deporting the influx of illegal immigrants arriving at the city and overwhelming both social services and law enforcement.
Hochul did not mention the impact of illegal immigration on crime in the city, and it is unclear if her promise to “stop at nothing” to keep New Yorkers safe includes deporting those present in the U.S. illegally who are apprehended after committing additional crimes.
Hochul’s orders have reportedly resulted in 750 national guardsmen and 250 police officers posted at subway stations. She has also ordered the installation of more cameras in the subway system and allowed judges to issue three-year subway travel bans for people who commit assaults against subway passengers.
Many on the right have criticized the measures as a step towards martial law, and have compared the deployment of armed national guardsmen in the crime-ridden city to the tactics of communist regimes.
“Martial law, or communism, is imposed with in New York Subway. This was the agenda from the start. It’s too simple to apply harsh penalties for crimes committed instead of releasing criminals and not prosecuting law-abiding citizens for self-defense,” said X user Apex Artistan.
Hochul’s measures were unpopular with both sides of the political spectrum.
Donna Lieberman, the executive director of the left wing advocacy group New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), also spoke against the measure.
She claimed that there was no real crime wave, and that the national guard deployment constituted over-policing.
“Sound policymaking will not come from overreacting to incidents that, while horrible and tragic, should not be misrepresented as a crime wave and certainly don’t call for a reversion to failed broken windows policies of the past,” said Lieberman.
