Kathy Hochul pardons over a dozen illegal immigrants with criminal records, including man convicted of manslaughter

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has granted pardons to 13 illegal immigrants with old criminal convictions, including a Laotian man who killed another man in the early 1990s. The governor’s office disclosed the move only after the New York Times published details of the clemency actions, according to the New York Post.  

Among those pardoned was Somchith Vatthanavong, 52, who was convicted of manslaughter in 1990 after fatally shooting a man during a fight outside a pool hall. Vatthanavong, who came to the United States illegally after the Vietnam War, told the Times he fired in self-defense.

“They’ve paid their debt, and I’ll be damned if I let them be deported to a country where they don’t know a soul,” Hochul told the paper. “And to those who would demonize them to score political points, I ask: Where is your compassion?”

The pardons, which apply to migrants who were already released from prison, prevent their convictions from being used as a basis for deportation. The records themselves remain intact, but the governor’s action shields recipients from immigration consequences tied to their criminal pasts.

Hochul’s approach contrasts with statements she made earlier this year about coordinating with federal agencies. “There is no sanctuary in New York for people who commit crimes. New York is committed to cracking down on gang members and violent criminals, and State officials cooperate with ICE and CBP in many circumstance[s],” her office wrote in a memo submitted to Congress in defense of the state’s sanctuary policies.

In addition to Vatthanavong, Hochul said the group included lawful permanent residents from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and South Africa. She did not specify whether others besides Vatthanavong had entered the country illegally.

In a statement posted to the state’s website, Hochul said: “After careful deliberation, I’m granting clemency to thirteen individuals who have demonstrated remorse for their actions and exemplify a commitment to bettering their communities.”

Federal records show that Vatthanavong was ordered deported after serving his sentence, but the removal never took place. US authorities have struggled to enforce deportations to Laos because the country has refused to accept them for years.

Hochul’s office did not say if more pardons are planned, though officials confirmed she has received 84 pending pardon applications and 186 commutation requests since January.