As the largest winter storm in years bears down on New York and communities prepare for dangerous snowfall, freezing temperatures, and potentially widespread power outages, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman blasted Governor Kathy Hochul for rejecting federal assistance ahead of the storm and choosing instead to take a political shot at law enforcement.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem offered federal support to help New York prepare and respond. Rather than accepting the assistance, Governor Hochul responded: “I shared that the fastest way to help is for ICE to back off so people feel safe accessing warming centers, shelters, hospitals, and houses of worship.” Blakeman called the response “stunningly irresponsible.”
“When a life-threatening winter storm is on the way, you don’t turn down help — you take every truck, every resource, and every extra set of hands you can get,” Blakeman said. “Governor Hochul had a chance to put New Yorkers first. Instead, she chose politics.”
“This isn’t about immigration. It’s about keeping families warm, clearing roads, and saving lives. Rejecting federal assistance during an emergency to score political points is reckless leadership,” Blakeman added.
Blakeman said the governor’s decision sends the wrong message at the worst possible time, as seniors, families, and vulnerable residents may rely on warming centers, shelters, and emergency services to stay safe.
“People don’t care about Albany talking points when the power goes out and the snow is piling up,” Blakeman added. “They want their government working together. The governor should be focused on public safety, not partisan rhetoric.”
In contrast, under County Executive Blakeman, Nassau County has declared a State of Emergency and activated all emergency operations, including road treatment and plowing.
“My job is simple: protect residents,” Blakeman said. “If help is offered, we accept it. That’s real leadership.”