Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Faces Scrutiny Over Immigration Rights Webinar
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is under the spotlight following her participation in an immigration rights webinar earlier this year, raising questions about whether the Department of Justice (DOJ) may be weighing an investigation into the event.
The February webinar, hosted in both English and Spanish, aimed to inform immigrants of their constitutional rights during encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Legal experts guided attendees on how to respond to enforcement actions, including the right to remain silent and the requirement for ICE agents to present a judge-signed warrant before entering a residence.
Ocasio-Cortez, who helped organize and promote the event, says her involvement was rooted in public service. Her office distributed materials on pro bono legal assistance and explained how constituents could seek help during deportation proceedings via privacy release forms.
“This was about empowering people with knowledge of their rights,” she said, emphasizing that the initiative falls squarely within her duties as an elected official.
However, the webinar sparked backlash from former Trump administration immigration official Tom Homan, who publicly urged the DOJ to investigate whether the event may have obstructed immigration enforcement. Homan claims he reached out to senior DOJ officials, suggesting the dissemination of such information could undermine law enforcement operations.
In response, Ocasio-Cortez sent a formal letter to the DOJ, requesting clarification on whether any investigation is being considered. “Over the past two weeks, public comments have been made suggesting possible legal action against me for providing constituents with information about their rights,” she wrote. “I want to understand whether these comments reflect actual DOJ intent.”
Speaking with Fox News, she noted, “I’ve asked them, they haven’t responded to me,” reaffirming her belief that the webinar was a constitutionally protected effort to educate the public.
The situation has ignited debate over the role of lawmakers in supporting immigrant communities and whether such advocacy can be interpreted as interference with federal enforcement. While critics argue the event may have crossed a line, supporters say providing legal information is a fundamental aspect of constituent service.
As of now, the DOJ has issued no public comment, and there is no confirmation of any formal investigation.