The National Guard operates under the Empire Shield counter-terrorism initiative and does not have law enforcement authority, requiring police presence for enforcement actions.

Hochul reaffirmed her commitment to restoring public confidence in subway safety through collaboration with the MTA and local authorities, especially as she prepares for her reelection campaign in 2026.

Critics have questioned the timing of these deployments, arguing that more proactive measures should have been taken earlier in her administration to address safety concerns in the subway system.

Hochul noted a 10% decrease in subway crime since March 2024, expressing confidence that her initiatives would deter potential criminals.

Concerns about violent crime in New York City have been heightened, particularly with reports indicating that over 58,000 illegal migrants in the city have criminal convictions or are facing charges, including more than 1,100 suspected gang members.

Despite an overall decrease in subway crimes by 2.6% since 2022, assaults have reached a 27-year high in 2023, prompting the need for increased security measures.

Hochul's safety initiatives include a five-point plan introduced in March 2024, which encompasses deploying National Guard members for bag checks and a legislative proposal to ban individuals convicted of assaulting subway passengers.

The plan also involves mental health outreach, the installation of surveillance cameras, and collaboration between prosecutors and transit officials to address recidivism.

MTA Chair Janno Lieber reported that subway ridership has reached its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with a decrease in mass transit crime this year.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the deployment of an additional 250 National Guard members to subway stations in New York City, bringing the total to 1,000 during the busy holiday season.

This increase in security personnel is part of a broader strategy to enhance safety in the subway system, which has faced challenges due to rising crime rates.

As part of these efforts, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has installed over 15,000 security cameras across all subway cars to enhance surveillance and deter crime.