Gov. Hochul Condemns ICE Detentions at SUNY Upstate Hospital
Governor Kathy Hochul has strongly denounced the detention of two employees from SUNY Upstate Medical University by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Both men are legally authorized to live and work in the United States, according to a statement from the hospital.
Details of the Detentions and Family Actions
The two men were taken into custody on Wednesday when they attended a hearing at ICE’s Mattydale offices, their unions reported. They work in the environmental services department at the state-run hospital in Syracuse and have been employed by New York State since 2022 and 2024 respectively.
- One man is represented by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA).
- The other is a member of United University Professions (UUP), which advocates for academic and professional SUNY employees.
- Both men own a home in North Syracuse, according to UUP President Frederick Kowal.
Governor Hochul recently met with the families of the detained men and union representatives. The families were also able to visit the men at the federal immigration detention center in Batavia.
Governor’s Statement and Support Efforts
“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.
Hochul emphasized that her team is actively working to secure strong legal representation for both men.
Context of Governor Hochul’s Visit
Hochul was in Syracuse campaigning for Sharron Owens, who is running for mayor, at the time of these developments.