Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing scrutiny after hosting an online event aimed at advising illegal immigrants on how to handle encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Border Czar Tom Homan has requested that the Department of Justice determine if her actions violated federal law.
Homan confirmed that he contacted the Deputy U.S. Attorney General to seek clarification on whether the webinar, which was streamed live on Ocasio-Cortez’s social media, could be considered an obstruction of immigration enforcement efforts. He stated that interfering with ICE operations is a serious offense and that he wanted an official legal ruling on whether the event crossed that line.
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 webinar, titled “Know Your Rights With ICE,” was directed at illegal immigrants in Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional district. During the event, she provided guidance on refusing ICE searches, remaining silent when questioned, and understanding what agents can and cannot do under the law.
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
In response to the criticism, Ocasio-Cortez defended her event by claiming that ICE agents have been unlawfully entering homes without warrants. She stated that she was merely informing her constituents of their rights and ensuring they understood how to navigate immigration-related encounters.
🚨🚨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
Legal experts point out that while general legal education is protected under the First Amendment, actions that directly hinder law enforcement operations could raise legal questions. The DOJ has not yet announced whether it will open an investigation into Ocasio-Cortez’s webinar.
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 repeatedly warned that individuals who obstruct immigration enforcement will be held accountable. Whether Ocasio-Cortez’s involvement meets that legal threshold remains to be seen.
