Queens, New York – Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York voiced her intent on Friday to challenge Tom Homan and potentially refer him to the Department of Justice for advising immigrants on avoiding deportation in border areas.
During an event at Queens City Hall, Ocasio-Cortez expressed confidence in confronting hardline rhetoric regarding immigration. This comes after her office organized a “know your rights” webinar in February. Homan has claimed that her actions might be illegal and could obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from enforcing the Trump administration’s deportation policies.
“Tom Homan said he would introduce me to the DOJ for exercising my right to free speech by informing them of their constitutional rights,” Ocasio-Cortez stated to an enthusiastic crowd.
Town Hall attendees reacted harshly to AOC, shouting concerns about Gaza’s situation: “You’re a liar!”
Ocasio-Cortez reiterated, “There’s nothing illegal about what I’m doing. If they think it is, they can bring me in.”
In February, her office conducted a live session to educate immigrants about their rights if approached by ICE.
She emphasized the importance of understanding the different types of warrants that might be presented when ICE agents arrive.
Homan, commenting on the situation, suggested that New York Democrats may have overstepped their bounds.
“I believe I’m cooperating with the Department of Justice. Where do they draw the line?” he asked. “Reading the laws enacted by Congress makes it clear that entering this country illegally is a crime.”
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“Furthermore, when you aid in concealing or obstructing law enforcement, it’s considered a felony,” Homan continued. “She’s providing information about constitutional rights, but really, she’s teaching them how to evade law enforcement.”
On that day, Ocasio-Cortez criticized the Trump administration’s stance on immigration, labeling the deportation of Venezuelan gang members as “authorized incentives.”
“I prefer not to refer to them as deportations. It’s much more complex,” she remarked to attendees. “If they want to knock on your door—whether it’s at home or work—the right response is, ‘Show me the warrant.’ If they can’t, you can ask them to return with it.”
Ocasio-Cortez talked to a packed room, with some attendees even spilling into an overflow area.
Attendees were supportive of the progressive lawmaker, with many questions focusing on local matters like raising the minimum wage and improving air quality, while also seeking clarity on her position against the Trump administration.
The loudest cheers erupted when she expressed opposition to a new casino proposed for Citi Field. While the New York City Council has approved it, she pointed out that it remained a state issue outside of her district’s purview.
The event remained mostly calm, despite some early disturbances from protesters shouting about Gaza’s crisis.
“As a healthcare worker, I want to know what you’re doing about Gaza’s genocide,” one of the protesters shouted at her.
Amidst chants of “Shame! Shame! Shame!” the crowd reacted, forcing Ocasio-Cortez to be escorted away for her safety.
