Griffo, Stec and Walczyk to governor: Protect New York’s northern border

As the nation continues to confront the troubling crisis at its southern border, New York State Sens. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, Mark Walczyk, R-C-Watertown, and Dan Stec, R-C-Queensbury, today urged the governor to consider additional action to safeguard New York’s northern border. Sens. Walczyk and Stec currently represent border communities while Sen. Griffo previously did prior to redistricting. 

In a letter to the governor, the senators expressed concern with a reported increase in the apprehension of migrants trying to enter the U.S. from Canada. 

“We are not insensitive to people fleeing oppression and seeking a better life elsewhere and recognize that federal immigration policies need to be addressed, strengthened and revised to ensure that those entering our country do so legally and properly,” the senators wrote. “However, we believe that it is imperative that New York take whatever actions are necessary to ensure that its residents, families and communities are protected and that its border is secure.” 

The text of the letter is below: 

Jan. 5, 2024 

Gov. Kathy Hochul 

Executive Chamber 

NYS State Capitol Building

Albany, NY 12224 

Dear Gov. Hochul: 

As our nation continues to confront the troubling crisis at its southern border, we are urging you to consider additional action to safeguard New York’s northern border with Canada. 

While much attention has been given to the enormous number of migrants that have been streaming into Texas and other southern states, we remain concerned with reports that our northern border also is seeing a surge in individuals trying to cross into the country illegally. One such report indicated that the sector covering the borders of northeastern New York, New Hampshire and Vermont – approximately 295 miles - saw more migrant apprehensions in 2023 than it had the last 10 years combined.  

Reports such as this highlight the need for further action from your administration, and we ask that you examine and consider all options that may currently be available to address this issue. This can include additional funding for increased state and local law enforcement patrols along the border as has been done recently in New Hampshire and further collaboration with local, state and federal partners.  

We are not insensitive to people fleeing oppression and seeking a better life elsewhere and recognize that federal immigration policies need to be addressed, strengthened and revised to ensure that those entering our country do so legally and properly. However, we believe that it is imperative that New York take whatever actions are necessary to ensure that its residents, families and communities are protected and that its border is secure. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely,  

Joseph A. Griffo 

New York State Senator, 53rd Senate District 

Daniel G. Stec 

New York State Senator, 45th Senate District 

Mark C. Walczyk 

New York State Senator, 49th Senate District