It’s not typical for members of the executive branch to threaten to prosecute sitting members of Congress. However, the second Trump presidency has certainly not been typical.
In multiple interviews last week, Tom Homan, the Trump Administration’s “border czar,” questioned whether it was legal for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to advise constituents of their rights when it comes to dealing with ICE.
The Congresswoman known as AOC has released a webinar titled “Know Your Rights With ICE.” Per MSNBC, the raids have sometimes ensnared people who are legal residents or even citizens, so the efforts are not aimed at undocumented immigrants entirely.
However, the “border czar” hasn’t seen things that way. He has hinted that he would like AOC to be prosecuted.
“I sent an email today to the deputy attorney general,” Homan said on Fox News this week.
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“At what level is that impediment? Is that an impediment? I’m not an attorney; I’m not a prosecutor. Is that impedement? Is that impeding our law enforcement efforts? If so, what are we gonna do about it? Is she crossing the line? So, I’m working with the Department of Justice and finding out. Where is that line that they cross? So, maybe AOC’s gonna be in trouble now.”
The New York Congresswoman has responded.
“‘MaYbe shE’s goiNg to be in TroUble nOw,'” AOC said on X last week, mocking Homan. “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
After Homan ripped AOC again in another interview, the war of words continued.
“Homan has nothing. The Fourth Amendment is clear and I am well within my duties to educate people of their rights,” she said.
This is why you fight these cowards.
The moment you stand up to them, they crumble.
Homan has nothing. The Fourth Amendment is clear and I am well within my duties to educate people of their rights.
He can threaten me with jail & call names all he wants. He’s got nothing else. https://t.co/XzUfeP634P
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 18, 2025
Meanwhile, a Fox News expert seemed to downplay the fact that AOC could face a criminal investigation in this case. Jonathan Turley, a law professor who often defends Trump on Fox, refuted the idea on X.
…While AOC has never been a defender of free speech, principle demands something more from the rest of us who value the First Amendment. Just as VP Vance offers robust defense of free speech in Europe, this baseless threat undermines the high ground achieved in Munich.
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) February 17, 2025
Photo courtesy of the Political Tribune media library.
