Tensions are heating up between former ICE Director Tom Homan and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), as Homan explores legal steps to potentially hold her accountable for what he sees as interfering with immigration enforcement.
During a February 14, 2025 appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Homan told host Laura Ingraham that AOC’s recent “Know Your Rights” webinar might be crossing the line. He believes the webinar, which provides information to undocumented immigrants about their legal rights, could be obstructing federal efforts to track and deport individuals in the country illegally.
Ingraham called the event “an attempt to help undocumented people avoid ICE,” and claimed AOC was “teaching them how to work the system.”
In response, Homan revealed that he had contacted Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, asking for clarification on whether AOC’s actions could be considered obstruction. “I’m not a lawyer,” Homan admitted. “But if this is interfering with law enforcement, shouldn’t there be consequences? That’s what I’m trying to find out.”
He continued, “We’re looking into whether her actions amount to a legal impediment. I’ve asked the Department of Justice for guidance. If we need to, we’ll take action.”
Homan also warned that if cities like New York continue to resist cooperation with ICE, they may face the loss of federal funding. “We’re going to enforce the law, whether local officials want to help or not,” he said. “If they step back, we’ll step in.”
AOC didn’t back down. At a town hall in Queens shortly after Homan’s remarks, she responded with defiance. “We either use our rights or lose them,” she said. “There’s nothing illegal about educating people on their rights. And if they want to arrest me for that, let them try.”
As the clash between Homan and AOC escalates, it’s clear the national debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies is far from over.