Tensions are mounting between former border enforcement chief Tom Homan and progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), as Homan reportedly explores legal avenues to hold her accountable for what he claims are efforts that obstruct federal immigration enforcement.
Appearing on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle on February 14, 2025, Homan criticized AOC’s recent “Know Your Rights” webinar, arguing that it undermines government efforts to locate, detain, and deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records. He told host Laura Ingraham that he is actively looking into ways to pursue legal action against the congresswoman for what he describes as defiance of federal law.
During the segment, Ingraham framed AOC’s webinar as an attempt to help undocumented individuals avoid apprehension, accusing her of “offering advice on how to remain in the country and essentially game the system.”
In response, Homan revealed that he had contacted Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche via email, asking for clarity: “What is the legal threshold for obstruction in this context? Is this truly interference with our enforcement efforts?” He added, “I’m not a lawyer or a prosecutor, but I want to know: If this is impeding our work, what recourse do we have? Has she crossed a legal line? That’s why I’m working with the Department of Justice to determine what boundaries may have been violated.”
Tom Homan suggested that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) could face consequences for what he views as obstruction of federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing the need for guidance from the Attorney General’s Office. Though he acknowledged he is not a prosecutor, Homan stressed the importance of legal clarification. He also warned that if the situation escalates, withdrawing federal funding from non-cooperative cities could have severe repercussions.
Wrapping up his appearance on The Ingraham Angle, Homan issued a stern message to sanctuary jurisdictions like New York, stating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will continue operations with or without support from local officials. “If they choose to step back, let them,” Homan said. “We will move forward and do it on their behalf. If they won’t take steps to protect their communities, President Trump will.”
In response, AOC reportedly offered a defiant rebuttal during a town hall event in Queens. “Our rights must be exercised or they will be lost,” she declared. “There is nothing illegal or improper about what we are doing. And if they want to make it illegal, they can come and try to take me. That’s where I stand.”
