Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) recently highlighted the approval of $14 million for projects in her district, a part of a funding bill she opposed. She announced plans to organize “statutory observer” training for potential anti-ICE activists at City Hall in Queens on Thursday.
“I didn’t vote for this. I voted no,” the member of the “Squad” remarked regarding the recently passed $1.2 trillion government spending bill, which allocates funds to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) but only for a two-week period.
Ocasio-Cortez shared her belief that the agency responsible for President Trump’s strict immigration enforcement should be shut down immediately.
Shortly thereafter, she found herself celebrating that the measure she opposed still managed to bring millions to voters.
“Even though I voted against it, we managed to secure $14 million for various community funding projects here in New York’s 14th Congressional District,” she stated.
During her speech, a slide appeared on a screen, proudly declaring, “We’ve secured $14.2 million for the Bronx and Queens!”
Later, she suggested that the best way for Democrats to counteract Trump’s deportation plans is by controlling the funds made available to the administration until after the midterm elections.
“That’s the fight ahead at DHS,” Ocasio-Cortez asserted.
“The time is now. We must communicate this to both New York senators.”
She expressed concern over the “escalation of ICE violence across the country” and urged New Yorkers to be vigilant about unusual activities from federal law enforcement.
In line with this, Ocasio-Cortez revealed intentions to host “statutory observer” training in collaboration with anti-ICE activist groups.
“At the beginning of this term, we focused heavily on ‘know your rights’ education. That’s like the basics,” she explained to the audience.
She referred to the forthcoming training sessions as “102,” emphasizing they would cover legal oversight of federal law enforcement.
“We are planning a teach-in soon… We’re going to do this together in our communities,” Ocasio-Cortez continued. “I really encourage everyone to participate in this.”
The training aims to empower individuals to “become more active observers.”
A progressive activist noted that participants would learn how to “legally observe, film, and take notes without being seen as interfering with law enforcement.”
Ocasio-Cortez’s “Know Your Rights” webinar attracted interest from border czar Tom Homan, who previously questioned whether educating undocumented immigrants about evading ICE arrests is considered obstructing law enforcement.
About 80 constituents, along with numerous local vendors, filled the auditorium at City Hall.
Some attendees expressed curiosity about how Democrats plan to handle ICE moving forward.
“They are [politicians]. I guess that should sound encouraging. But honestly, I don’t think there’s much she can do,” said one woman, who chose to remain anonymous and left feeling dissatisfied.
“I’m unclear on Congress’s actual power to effect change,” she added.
Nuala O’Doherty Naranjo, who manages the Jackson Heights Immigration Center, expressed her approval of Ocasio-Cortez’s comments. She remarked, “This is a community where nearly every family has an immigrant. These ICE raids affect everyone around here. It’s crucial for us to know that our representatives are advocating for us to keep our families safe.”
Another attendee, Wilson Sanchez, a 66-year-old retiree, offered a mixed review: “Out of 100, I’d rate her an 80.”
Before the event, Sanchez shared her thoughts on Trump’s performance: “I don’t think he’s done a very good job,” yet she wasn’t entirely happy with Ocasio-Cortez either.
“It’s unfortunate she didn’t mention the Epstein issue,” Sanchez added, which seemed to weigh on her mind.
