At a recent town hall in Queens, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) defended her office’s “Know Your Rights” webinar, which advised constituents on handling encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. She asserted her actions were protected under free speech, stating, “Come for me,” in response to previous threats of legal action from former ICE Director and current border czar Tom Homan.
Homan responded on Fox News, accusing Ocasio-Cortez of instructing individuals on evading law enforcement. He cited Title 8, U.S. Code § 1253, emphasizing that hindering ICE removal orders is a federal offense. Homan warned that starting immediately, those obstructing ICE operations could face prosecution.
The exchange underscores ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement officials and progressive lawmakers over deportation practices and the boundaries of lawful advocacy.
