Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced and implemented her plan to deploy 750 National Guard troops to our subways.

That’s right: Our governor is treating our subway system like a war zone.

National guard troops, along with increased State and MTA police officers, will be able to conduct bag checks and refuse service to anyone who doesn’t comply.

Governor Hochul may want to appear “tough on crime,” but experts agree that the National Guard is not equipped to deal with crime: Soldiers don’t have arrest powers, don’t know local laws, and are not are not trained in communicating with NYPD and MTA officers in cases of emergency.

Let me get this straight: New Yorkers deserve to be and feel safe on our subways, and crime is a real concern. But this move by Governor Hochul is just political posturing.

Law enforcement plays an important role in an overall public safety plan for New Yorkers, but militarizing the subway and proposing a ban on individuals from accessing public transportation are a dangerous misuse of resources. Recycling past stop-and-frisk-style policies will only lead to more marginalization of Black and Brown communities.

Instead of further criminalizing New Yorkers, our governor should focus on funding improvements, like fixing the subway itself and addressing the root of public safety issues.

Plus, there’s a broad coalition that agrees: Democrats, Republicans, civil rights groups, and local law enforcement have all expressed that this is not the right move to combat crime.

Let’s stop playing games and get serious about safety. Join me in telling Governor Hochul: Demilitarize our subways and prioritize station improvements.