New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has expressed significant concern following reports that she could be the target of a federal investigation for allegedly aiding and abetting illegal immigrants in evading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehension. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Ocasio-Cortez sought clarity on whether she was indeed under investigation after border czar Tom Homan announced he had referred her to the Justice Department for potential criminal charges.
In her letter, Ocasio-Cortez accused Homan of attempting to weaponize the Department of Justice (DOJ) against elected officials whose views he disagrees with. She referenced Homan’s public statements, including one made on February 13, 2025, where he indicated that she would be “in trouble now” due to her actions. Ocasio-Cortez argued that Homan’s threats undermine constitutional rights and called for transparency regarding any investigation into her office.
She quoted the First Amendment, emphasizing that educating the public about their rights is a fundamental responsibility of elected officials, especially during uncertain times. Ocasio-Cortez asserted that using threats of DOJ investigations to suppress free speech poses a danger to all citizens, regardless of political beliefs.
The controversy arose after Ocasio-Cortez hosted an Instagram Live webinar titled “Know Your Rights,” which Homan claimed was designed to instruct illegal immigrants on how to avoid detention by federal immigration officers. The webinar, conducted in both English and Spanish, featured attorneys from the Immigrant Defense Project and provided guidance on how to respond to ICE enforcement actions. Her office has also distributed flyers advising illegal immigrants about ICE tactics and their legal options.
In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Homan reiterated his belief that Ocasio-Cortez’s actions were not merely educational but aimed at helping individuals evade arrest. He highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in New York, particularly regarding individuals convicted of serious crimes, and criticized Ocasio-Cortez for allegedly making it more difficult for ICE to enforce the laws enacted by Congress.
Hannity raised the question of when Ocasio-Cortez’s actions might cross the line into aiding and abetting lawbreaking, a point Homan confirmed he had discussed with the Deputy Attorney General. The situation has sparked a heated debate about the balance between free speech and the responsibilities of elected officials in relation to immigration enforcement.
