In a recent interview on Fox Business, Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson and assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), made headlines with a clear message: if Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) takes the same steps as some recently arrested Democrats, she could also face arrest.
This statement came after a tense situation involving several Democratic lawmakers. Representatives Lamonica McIver, Rob Menendez, and Bonnie Watson Coleman—alongside Newark Mayor Ras Baraka—were taken into custody after forcing their way into an ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey. The group claimed the facility was operating unlawfully. Video footage even showed Rep. McIver allegedly pushing ICE and DHS agents, which sparked intense public backlash.
Following the incident, AOC took to Instagram to defend her colleagues. In her video, she warned that if any action was taken against the representatives involved, “we will have a problem.” She specifically stood up for Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rep. Menendez, saying the real issue lies elsewhere—not with those exercising oversight.
AOC also argued that members of Congress have a legal right to access ICE and CBP facilities as part of their constitutional role in oversight and accountability.
But DHS isn’t seeing it that way. McLaughlin responded firmly, stating that while congressional oversight is important, it does not give lawmakers a free pass to break the law or interfere with law enforcement operations.
Speaking on Fox News Channel’s The Bottom Line, McLaughlin said, “If she [AOC] breaks the law and assaults law enforcement officers—like what we’ve already seen—then arrest is absolutely a possibility. Just claiming oversight duties doesn’t excuse illegal actions.”
McLaughlin’s comments highlight the growing tension between federal authorities and some progressive lawmakers over immigration enforcement, detention centers, and the rights of elected officials to inspect government-run facilities.
The situation continues to evolve, and all eyes are now on what steps AOC and DHS will take next.