Department of Justice to Charge AOC for Aiding Illegals in Evading Arrest

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is set to be charged with federal charges from the Department of Justice (DOJ) over allegations that she helped illegal immigrants evade arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The controversy stems from a webinar hosted by her office and subsequent social media posts advising migrants on their rights during encounters with immigration authorities, actions that critics, including President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, claim cross the line into illegal obstruction of justice.

The news broke recently when Homan, a key figure in Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement agenda, revealed he had urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Ocasio-Cortez’s actions.

According to the Daily Mail, Homan has questioned whether AOC’s “Know Your Rights in Case of ICE” webinar and accompanying guides—shared widely in English and Spanish—constitute an unlawful impediment to federal law enforcement efforts.

“I sent an email to the Deputy AG today… at what level is that impediment?” Homan said in a Fox News interview last month, adding, “Maybe AOC is going to be in trouble now.”

Ocasio-Cortez’s office hosted the webinar in February 2025, featuring speakers from the Immigrant Defense Project who detailed ICE tactics and advised migrants not to open their doors without a judicial warrant or answer questions about their immigration status.

AOC herself reinforced this message on X, writing, “Believe it or not, in America EVERYONE has rights,” alongside a guide that included tips like “Do Not Open Your Door” and “Remain Silent.” She argued that her efforts were about educating constituents on their constitutional protections, not aiding criminals. “If you’re pissed that I’m educating the people of this country of their Constitutional rights, that’s on you,” she posted.

However, Homan and other critics see it differently. “What I find disturbing is that any member of Congress wants to educate people on how to evade law enforcement,” Homan told Fox News, emphasizing that many targeted by ICE have federal warrants or criminal histories.

He has repeatedly asked the DOJ to clarify “where’s that line on impediment,” suggesting that AOC’s actions might violate statutes like 8 U.S. Code § 1324, which prohibits aiding and abetting illegal entry or presence in the U.S. Posts on X echo this sentiment, with users like @TrackDaddyKy noting, “AOC is accused of teaching illegal immigrants how to evade ICE, a potential felony,” and calling for a DOJ investigation.

The Daily Mail reported on March 3 that Bondi is “apparently moving to take action” against AOC, with conservative X accounts amplifying claims that she is “preparing to file federal charges.”

One user, @WhiskersOnPups, linked to the article, stating, “Pam Bondi eyes charging AOC for helping migrants evade ICE.”

While the DOJ has not officially confirmed an investigation or charges as of today, the speculation has fueled a firestorm online. “IT’S OFFICIAL: AOC WILL face charges,” posted @_SmokeyGirl25 on February 17.

AOC has pushed back fiercely, accusing Homan and immigration officials of attempting to “weaponize” the DOJ against her. In a letter to Bondi last week, she questioned whether the Attorney General had “yielded to political pressure” to target her, insisting that her actions were lawful efforts to inform constituents of their rights.

“I am glad Mr. Homan is checking with the Department of Justice to familiarize himself with the limits of his agency’s authority,” she told Fox News Digital, a jab at Homan’s repeated calls for DOJ guidance.