Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is under fire after hosting a virtual event that instructed illegal immigrants on how to avoid encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Border Czar Tom Homan has requested that the Department of Justice determine whether her involvement in the event constitutes interference with federal immigration enforcement.
Homan stated that he contacted the Deputy U.S. Attorney General for clarification on whether Ocasio-Cortez’s webinar crossed legal lines. He explained that obstruction of law enforcement is a serious offense and that her actions should be carefully reviewed.
Border Czar Tom Homan: "I've done this since 1984. I've forgot more about immigration law than @AOC will ever know." pic.twitter.com/mo4OiaFrFO
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 16, 2025
The event, streamed live on Ocasio-Cortez’s social media, was titled “Know Your Rights With ICE.” The webinar provided step-by-step instructions for illegal immigrants on handling ICE agents, including refusing searches and remaining silent during questioning.
Tom Homan has referred AOC to the DOJ for potential prosecution.
“Maybe AOC is gonna be i trouble now…Impediment is impediment in my opinion.”
My advice is don’t cross that line. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cSZGhxTxz4
— Gary D (@KMGGaryde) February 14, 2025
Ocasio-Cortez responded to Homan’s concerns by accusing ICE of unlawfully entering homes without warrants. She argued that her webinar was a necessary response to ensure individuals understand their rights and how to protect themselves from immigration enforcement.
🚨🚨Border czar Tom Homan has officially filed a criminal complaint with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi against @AOC for
18 U.S. Code Chapter 73 – OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
And,
18 U.S. Code § 2 – AIDING AND ABETTINGArrest is just matter of time. pic.twitter.com/YPdKejx8PH
— 🇺🇸RealRobert🇺🇸 (@Real_RobN) February 14, 2025
While legal experts state that Know Your Rights events have been held by various organizations for years, the issue becomes legally complex if the information actively encourages individuals to evade law enforcement. The DOJ has not indicated whether it will investigate Ocasio-Cortez’s involvement.
Good. They are so quick to put people
In jail on trumped up charges. But this is not ok what they are doing. I’d be in jail if I interfered with an investigation. They should be held to the same standard— Joseph Lanier (@JosephLani13279) February 14, 2025
The Trump administration has reinforced its position that it will not tolerate interference with ICE operations, leaving the door open for further legal action depending on the DOJ’s findings.
