Border Czar Tom Homan has reached out to the Department of Justice to determine whether Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) violated federal law by advising illegal immigrants on how to handle encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Homan questioned whether her actions could be considered obstruction of law enforcement and requested clarification from the Deputy U.S. Attorney General.
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
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 hosted a virtual event titled “Know Your Rights With ICE,” which was streamed live on social media. The webinar instructed illegal immigrants on how to refuse consent for searches, avoid answering questions from ICE agents, and seek legal representation if detained. The event specifically targeted residents in her congressional district, which includes parts of Queens and the Bronx.
🚨🚨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
Homan, a former acting director of ICE, stated that interfering with immigration enforcement is a serious matter and suggested that Ocasio-Cortez’s involvement in guiding illegal immigrants could cross legal boundaries. He emphasized that he is awaiting the DOJ’s opinion on whether her actions meet the threshold for impeding law enforcement efforts.
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
Ocasio-Cortez fired back, accusing ICE agents of breaking the law by entering homes without warrants. She claimed that her event was intended to educate her constituents on their rights and ensure ICE officers follow legal procedures. She also reiterated that immigration violations are a civil matter, not a criminal offense.
While legal analysts acknowledge that Know Your Rights seminars have been held by activists and attorneys for years, they note that actively encouraging individuals to evade law enforcement could lead to legal scrutiny. The DOJ has yet to confirm whether it will investigate Ocasio-Cortez’s involvement.
The Trump administration has been clear in its stance that obstructing federal immigration enforcement will not be tolerated. Whether Ocasio-Cortez’s webinar is determined to have violated the law remains a decision for the DOJ.
