Border Czar Tom Homan has called on the Department of Justice to review whether Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) broke federal law by hosting an event instructing illegal immigrants on how to avoid ICE enforcement. Homan questioned whether her involvement could constitute obstruction and contacted the Deputy U.S. Attorney General for clarification.
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
Ocasio-Cortez’s webinar, titled “Know Your Rights With ICE,” was streamed live on social media and aimed at illegal immigrants living in her district. The event provided step-by-step instructions on what to do if ICE agents approach them, including refusing searches, remaining silent, and seeking legal assistance.
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
Homan expressed concerns that her guidance may have directly impeded law enforcement operations, which could be a violation of federal statutes. He stated that he is awaiting the DOJ’s response to determine whether her actions warrant further legal action.
🚨🚨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
Ocasio-Cortez dismissed the criticism and accused ICE of conducting unlawful searches. She argued that her webinar was meant to ensure that individuals are aware of their rights and that immigration enforcement is conducted within legal boundaries.
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
Legal experts note that while sharing general legal information is protected under the First Amendment, directly advising individuals on how to evade ICE encounters could invite legal scrutiny. The DOJ has not yet commented on whether it will open an investigation into Ocasio-Cortez’s actions.
The Trump administration has signaled that it will not tolerate interference with immigration enforcement, reinforcing its stance that federal law must be upheld without obstruction from local or congressional figures.
