Ocasio-Cortez offers help to immigrants facing ICE pick-ups

In New York, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is actively working to support immigrants who may face deportation under the heightened activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Recently, she encouraged immigrants in her district to complete a DHS privacy release form, which allows her office to intervene if they are detained by ICE. This effort is part of a wider initiative taken by multiple Democratic representatives aimed at educating immigrants about their rights, especially during a time of rising deportation operations. Fellow Democrats such as Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are also engaging constituents in similar rights-awareness campaigns. In light of the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies, Ocasio-Cortez's office is providing resources, including pro-bono attorney lists and immigration casework assistance. The congresswoman has also organized a webinar scheduled for February 12, where constituents can learn how to respond if approached by ICE. Their focus is particularly on individuals who may have outstanding orders of removal, or who live in fear of an impending detainment. Simultaneously, immigration policies are shifting in New York City as Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to permit ICE operations on Rikers Island again. This decision follows a confidential meeting with Tom Homan, referred to as the