Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul has publicly criticized the Biden administration's recent decision to cut operating hours at four border crossings between the U.S. and Canada. This announcement, which came from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is part of broader changes affecting 38 ports of entry across the northern border, set to take effect on January 6.
CBP has stated the reduction is necessary to manage resources effectively, allowing customs officers to be reassigned to busier ports. Hochul is not on board with this logic, urging the federal government to boost staffing at U.S.-Canada border crossings instead, particularly as New York sees rising rates of illegal crossings.
Hochul expressed her frustration, saying, "I strongly oppose the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's decision to reduce operating hours at four crossings on New York’s border with Canada. While the Biden-Harris Administration has achieved measurable success in enhancing southern border security, New York is experiencing a dramatic increase in irregular crossings along our northern border." She underscored the urgency for more federal support and resources to deal with migratory challenges along the northern frontier.
The specific border crossings affected include Chateauguay, which will see its hours cut from 24/7 to 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Overton Corners, reducing hours to 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Rouses Point, which will operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM; and Trout River, now limited to 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The expected changes have sparked significant backlash from local officials and law enforcement.
To match the rising numbers of illegal crossings—statistics show there were record-high apprehensions at the northern border—Hochul has redirected $5 million from federal funds to bolster security along New York's border. This includes investing in additional tools aimed at targeting transnational criminal organizations.
Compounding Hochul's verbal assault against the federal decision are calls from local Republican representatives for stricter scrutiny at the northern border. Notably, Rep. Elise Stefanik has been relentless, stating, "Enough is enough. Our rural communities are struggling due to the America Last policies of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Kathy Hochul, and Chuck Schumer."
While the majority of northern border entry points will retain 24/7 operations, Hochul's opposition highlights the tensions between state and federal plans on immigration and border security policies.
Rep. Stefanik's claims stem from the growing grievances over how recent policies have impacted New York, which has faced over 230,000 migrants arriving within the last two years. Critics have drawn links between New York City's status as a 'sanctuary' city and the influx of migrants, arguing some of the policies have encouraged more to come.
Despite Hochul’s wealth of support from state officials to counter the federal decision, U.S.-Mexico border apprehension numbers far outstrip those along the northern border, with over 1.5 million encounters recorded—a staggering figure compared to the northern border's almost 200,000 apprehensions.
Former Trump administration officials, including incoming immigration czar Tom Homan, have signaled they will take action on New York's policies if the city doesn't start cooperating. Mayor Eric Adams has indicated his readiness to work alongside the new administration on immigration enforcement.
CBP officials have acknowledged the need for adaptability, saying they will remain vigilant on operational changes and reassess their resources regularly based on traffic patterns and encounters. They noted they will communicate with local officials and communities concerning changes and concerns.
Governor Hochul's administration remains steadfast, promoting the idea of enhanced federal resources to tackle the complexity of migration at the northern frontier, all the more urgent amid current policy shifts and border management strategies.
