Governor Kathy Hochul has kept approximately 750 National Guard soldiers stationed in New York City’s subway system since March 2024 to support crime deterrence. Hochul stated that her approach differs from President Donald Trump’s recent deployment of troops in Washington, D.C., Gothamist reported
According to City and State NY, Hochul would not have the legal authority to prevent a federal takeover of the Guard if ordered by the president. She has previously used the Guard in support roles across the state, including the deployment of 3,000 soldiers to prisons earlier this year during a correction officers’ strike.
The number of National Guard soldiers in the subway system has remained steady since the initial deployment. Their presence has been supplemented by additional NYPD officers patrolling trains, particularly overnight. An MTA report showed that major subway crimes decreased by 8% in July 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, though the connection between the Guard’s presence and the decline remains debated.
The broader discussion about the Guard’s role is also linked to a legal case in California challenging the federalization of state forces without gubernatorial cooperation. The outcome could affect future deployments across the country.
Hochul has not announced when the Guard will be withdrawn from the subway system but noted that she is satisfied with their work so far.
