Tom Homan, the acting chief of Border Patrol, dismissed concerns raised by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez regarding the potential arrest of a Democrat involved in clashes at an ICE protest. Three New Jersey congressional members, including Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, have been accused of breaking into an ICE facility in Newark on Friday, which led to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest for trespassing.
While the Department of Homeland Security mulled over arresting the Democrats, Ocasio-Cortez cautioned them that there would be repercussions. In an Instagram video, she stated, “If you touch someone like Bonnie Watson Coleman, we’re going to have a problem.”
Ocasio-Cortez also remarked during a broader discourse, “If anyone is breaking the law here, it’s not a member of Congress. It’s the Department of Homeland Security, including folks like Tom Homan.” In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tupper, Homan downplayed her comments, suggesting they didn’t intimidate him.
“You can’t scare me. Come on, give me a break,” he said, pointing out that he’d been enforcing immigration laws long before she took office. “I’ve worked for six presidents; I’ve seen policies—some worked, others didn’t.”
Homan clarified the distinction between disliking ICE and obstructing their operations. He emphasized, “You can’t support ICE while also hiding illegal aliens. That’s a felony.” He firmly stated that trying to interfere with ICE officers is a serious crime.
During his remarks, Homan claimed the current administration has done more for her district than Ocasio-Cortez has, indicating that the removal of criminals has made communities safer. “It’s politics over public safety. It’s absurd. She should prioritize her community over political disagreements,” he added.
Homan, in a broader accusation, questioned whether Ocasio-Cortez was fulfilling her duties as a legislator, given the rising concerns about illegal immigration. This exchange adds further tension to an already complicated dialogue surrounding immigration policy and enforcement.
