AOC challenges Tom Homan over immigrant rights advice

In February 2025, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a representative from New York, hosted a webinar aimed at educating immigrants about their rights and the legal protections available to them. This event took place in Queens, New York, and was part of her broader initiative focusing on immigrant rights. During the seminar, attendees were advised on how to handle encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including tips on warrants and rights during searches. Following this seminar, Tom Homan, the former acting Director of ICE, threatened to refer Ocasio-Cortez to the Department of Justice for what he characterized as potentially crossing a legal boundary by providing this information. Homan’s comments suggested that he viewed her actions as discouraging law enforcement efforts regarding illegal immigration. Ocasio-Cortez, however, responded defiantly, embracing her right to free speech and asserting her commitment to inform people of their legal protections, challenging Homan's threats by inviting him to take action against her. During the town hall meeting, she also critiqued the Trump administration's approach to immigration, labeling certain deportation practices as 'sanctioned kidnappings.' This clash has sparked discussions over conversations around immigrant rights and the limits of free speech in relation to advising undocumented individuals. The ongoing dialogue reflects a deepening divide over immigration policy and the rights of those who might be affected by strict enforcement measures.