In a fiery interview on Fox Business, Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), made it clear: if Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) attempts to forcefully enter an ICE facility like other Democrats recently did, she could be arrested.
McLaughlin’s comments follow the arrests of several Democratic lawmakers—Reps. Lamonica McIver, Rob Menendez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka—who were taken into custody after allegedly storming the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The group claimed the facility was operating illegally. However, tensions escalated when Rep. McIver was seen on video physically clashing with ICE agents, sparking widespread backlash.
In response, AOC posted a passionate video on Instagram, warning that any arrests of her fellow Democrats would be “a problem” for DHS. She defended their actions as legitimate congressional oversight, saying, “Members of Congress have the legal right to access ICE and CBP facilities. Blocking that is unconstitutional.”
But DHS isn’t buying it.
McLaughlin pushed back hard, warning that if AOC or any member of Congress engages in trespassing or assaults officers under the guise of oversight, they should expect the same treatment. “We’re not going to allow anyone—elected or not—to endanger our law enforcement officers,” she said. “If AOC tries to force her way into a federal facility, like what happened in Newark, she could absolutely be arrested.”
During the segment, Fox Business host David Asman asked whether AOC would face the same consequences if she acted like McIver and the others. McLaughlin didn’t hesitate: “If she breaks the law, yes. Oversight doesn’t mean breaking into secure government property.”
She also clarified that DHS is not opposed to oversight—but there’s a process. “If they had just asked for a tour, we would’ve arranged it,” she said. “We ask for just 24 hours’ notice. This wasn’t about oversight—it was political theater, and it put our officers at risk.”
Later that evening, on Fox News’ Special Report, McLaughlin called AOC out again, asking rhetorically, “Who exactly is she trying to release from that ICE facility? MS-13 members? Terror suspects? Child predators?”
The back-and-forth between DHS and AOC has ignited intense debate online, with critics and supporters of both sides weighing in on whether this is a matter of justice—or political grandstanding.