AOC Defiant After Border Czar Threatens DOJ Referral Over Migrant Advice
Queens, New York – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat representing New York’s 14th congressional district, stood firm against criticism from former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan, following his suggestion that she could face legal repercussions for providing advice to migrants on how to avoid deportation. The clash highlights the escalating tensions surrounding immigration policy and the role of elected officials in advocating for the rights of undocumented individuals.
Ocasio-Cortez addressed the controversy head-on during a town hall event held in Queens on Friday. She asserted that she would not be intimidated by Homan’s threats, which stemmed from her office’s recent “Know Your Rights” webinar aimed at informing migrants about their constitutional protections when interacting with immigration authorities. Homan had publicly stated that Ocasio-Cortez’s actions might be illegal and could hinder ICE’s ability to carry out deportation orders.
"Tom Homan said he was going to refer me to the DOJ because I’m using my free speech rights in order to advise people of their constitutional protections," Ocasio-Cortez told the enthusiastic crowd. "To that, I say: Come for me, do I look like I care?"
The “Know Your Rights” webinar, hosted by Ocasio-Cortez’s office in February, provided migrants in her district with practical advice on how to respond when confronted by ICE agents. The guidance included recommendations to request warrants, record searches, and learn how to differentiate between different types of warrants that ICE agents might present.
Homan, a staunch advocate for stricter immigration enforcement, argued that Ocasio-Cortez’s actions could potentially cross a legal line. He indicated that he was consulting with the Department of Justice to explore possible legal ramifications. "I’m working with the Department of Justice and finding out. Where is that line that they cross? So maybe AOC is going to be in trouble now," he remarked after the webinar.
In a separate interview on "Sunday Morning Futures," Homan further elaborated on his concerns, stating, "What she needs to do is read the statutes enacted by Congress… because it’s a crime to enter this country illegally." He also accused Ocasio-Cortez of attempting to teach migrants how to evade law enforcement.
"Not only that, but when you harbor and conceal and impede law enforcement, that’s a felony. What she’s doing, she says she’s educating everybody on their constitutional rights, and we all know they’ve got constitutional rights, but what she’s really doing… she’s trying to teach them how to evade law enforcement," Homan asserted.
Ocasio-Cortez vehemently denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that providing information about constitutional rights is not illegal. "There is nothing illegal about it, and if they want to make it illegal, they can come take me," she declared.
Beyond the legal dispute, Ocasio-Cortez used the town hall as an opportunity to criticize the Trump administration’s broader approach to immigration and border security. She specifically condemned the deportation of Venezuelan gang members, describing them as "sanctioned kidnappings."
"I don’t even want to call them deportations. They are sanctioned kidnappings in many circumstances," she said, emphasizing that immigration authorities do not have unlimited authority to enter homes or workplaces without proper warrants.
"They do not have carte blanche to enter. If they do want to knock on your door, or knock on anyone’s door – including your workplace – you can tell them, ‘Show me a warrant. Show me a judicial warrant.’ And if they don’t show you a warrant, you can say they can come back with a warrant. You have the right to turn them away," Ocasio-Cortez explained.
The town hall event, held in a packed auditorium, drew a large crowd of supporters eager to hear from their representative. An overflow room was set up to accommodate those who could not find space in the main venue. The audience largely expressed support for Ocasio-Cortez’s legislative agenda and her representation of the district.
Attendees raised a variety of local issues, including calls for a minimum wage increase and concerns about air quality. They also inquired about Ocasio-Cortez’s plans for addressing the policies of the Trump administration.
One of the loudest rounds of applause erupted when Ocasio-Cortez voiced her opposition to a proposed new casino at Citi Field, which would be part of a larger sports and entertainment complex. While the New York City Council has already approved the project, Ocasio-Cortez noted that she has limited influence in the matter, as it primarily falls under state jurisdiction and is not located within her congressional district.
The event proceeded smoothly for the most part, but was briefly disrupted by a protester who began shouting at Ocasio-Cortez about the situation in Gaza.
"I am a healthcare worker, and I want to know what you’re doing about the genocide in Gaza!" the protester exclaimed.
The audience responded with chants of "Shame! Shame! Shame!" and audible boos, before security personnel escorted the protester out of the auditorium.
The confrontation between Ocasio-Cortez and Homan underscores the deep divisions surrounding immigration policy in the United States. Ocasio-Cortez’s advocacy for migrants’ rights has positioned her as a prominent voice in the progressive movement, while Homan remains a strong advocate for stricter enforcement measures. The legal and political battle between the two figures is likely to continue as the debate over immigration policy continues to unfold.
