New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo pardoned seven illegal immigrants that were facing deportation on Monday morning.

NEW: NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo pardons seven people under threat of deportation. “While President Trump engages in policies…to advance his political agenda of hate and division, we will protect our immigrant communities,” the governor says. https://t.co/oK3IlBoWI9pic.twitter.com/YytaMRgst2 — ABC News (@ABC) July 23, 2018

“At a time when President Trump and the federal government are waging a war on our immigrant communities, New York stands firm in our belief that our diversity is our greatest strength. While President Trump engages in politics that rip children out of the arms of their mothers and tries to ramp up the deportation of New Yorkers to advance his political agenda of hate and division, we will protect our immigrant communities,” Cuomo said, according to ABC News.

Said ex-criminals have allegedly led crime-free lives over the last seven years, at a minimum, which was the base requirement of Cuomo’s decision to pardon these seven individuals and excuse their old crimes.

Five of the seven recipients were arrested for either possession of or intent to sell a controlled substance, one of whom was convicted for possession and charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. The other two faced petty larceny charges.

This is the third time Cuomo has pardoned a group of criminals that were potentially getting deported.

He is going up against former television star Cynthia Nixon for the Democratic nomination to be New York’s governor. As recently as last week Cuomo had over a 25-point lead. (RELATED: Andrew Cuomo Wrecking Democratic Socialist Cynthia Nixon In NY Governor Race)