Homan Challenges AOC’s Webinar on ICE Operations
Former ICE Director Tom Homan is raising concerns over a recent webinar hosted by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, suggesting it may be hindering immigration enforcement efforts. The event, organized by Ocasio-Cortez’s office, detailed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics in New York—information Homan says could help migrants evade arrest and deportation.
Speaking with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, Homan questioned whether the webinar crossed a legal line. “I sent an email to the deputy attorney general. Is this impeding our law enforcement efforts? If so, what are we going to do about it?” he said. He also urged the Justice Department to weigh in, stating, “Impediment is impediment, in my opinion.”
Ingraham: You got AOC putting out a webinar to help illegals avoid apprehension
Homan: I sent a letter to the Deputy AG today… Is that impeding our law enforcement efforts. If so, what are we going to do about it? Maybe AOC is going to be in trouble now pic.twitter.com/3gnp90Imsd
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 14, 2025
The webinar featured Genia Blaser from the Immigrant Defense Project, who outlined recent ICE tactics, including arrests during early-morning raids, traffic stops, and at parole appointments. Blaser advised migrants on their rights, recommending they request judicial warrants and refuse to cooperate without one.
A War of Words
Ocasio-Cortez, known for her sharp responses on social media, took to X to mock Homan’s concerns. She posted, “MaYbe shE’s goiNg to be in TroUble nOw,” adding, “Maybe he can learn to read. The Constitution would be a good place to start.”
"MaYbe shE's goiNg to be in TroUble nOw"
Maybe he can learn to read. The Constitution would be a good place to start https://t.co/vQ69UDyQnT
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 14, 2025
Homan fired back, warning of the potential dangers of the webinar’s message. “Let’s pray she isn’t ‘educating’ the next murderer on how to evade ICE. Entering the U.S. illegally is a violation of federal law,” he said. He also referenced their heated exchange during a past congressional hearing, adding, “I thought I educated her on this years ago.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Ocasio-Cortez defended her position, arguing that informing people of their rights is part of upholding the law. “I’m proud to offer civil education to ensure ICE’s compliance with the law,” she said. She also pushed back on Homan’s framing, noting, “Being undocumented is a civil offense, not a criminal one.”
The exchange highlights the deep ideological divide between Homan’s hardline, law-and-order stance and Ocasio-Cortez’s focus on civil liberties and immigrant protections. Homan sees such webinars as potential threats to public safety, while Ocasio-Cortez frames them as vital tools for holding law enforcement accountable.
As the border crisis remains a flashpoint in national politics, this latest clash underscores the battle over immigration enforcement—and whether education on rights helps or harms public safety.