Homan Asks DOJ to Investigate Ocasio-Cortez Over ICE Webinar
Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and current “border czar” for the Trump administration, has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate whether Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) impeded ICE operations by hosting a webinar on immigrant rights.
The Controversy
On February 12, 2025, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s office hosted a “Know Your Rights with ICE” webinar on Facebook. The event, which the congresswoman did not personally attend, provided information on:
Recent ICE arrest trends in New York
Rights of individuals during ICE raids
How to interact with ICE agents
Homan claims this webinar may have impeded ICE’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Homan’s Response
During a Fox News interview on February 14, Homan stated: “I sent an email today to the Deputy Attorney General. At what level is that impediment? Is that impediment? I’m not an attorney, I’m not a prosecutor. Is that impediment? Is that impeding our law enforcement efforts? If so, what are we gonna do about it? Is she crossing the line?” Homan emphasized he is working with the DOJ to determine if Ocasio-Cortez’s actions crossed a legal line.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Rebuttal
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez responded to Homan’s comments on social media: “Maybe he can learn to read. The Constitution would be a good place to start.” She defended the webinar, stating: “Believe it or not, in America EVERYONE has rights. Citizen or not, we all should know our rights to protect ourselves and others from illegal search & seizure.”
Context and Background
This incident is part of an ongoing conflict between the Trump administration’s immigration policies and Democratic lawmakers. Several Democratic representatives, including Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, have provided resources to immigrants about their rights. The Trump administration has increased ICE raids nationwide. Ocasio-Cortez and other Democrats have been critical of Trump’s immigration plans, including his executive order attempting to ban birthright citizenship for children of immigrants without legal status.
Potential Impact
This controversy highlights the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement and civil liberties. It raises questions about the extent to which elected officials can provide information about legal rights without interfering with law enforcement, the balance between immigration enforcement and individual rights, and the role of Congress in overseeing executive agencies like ICE. As the situation develops, it may lead to further legal and political debates about immigration policy and the limits of congressional authority.
Conclusion
The outcome of Homan’s request to the DOJ remains to be seen. This incident underscores the complex and often contentious nature of immigration policy in the United States. As the story unfolds, it will likely continue to be a focal point in the broader national conversation on immigration, civil liberties, and the role of government.
