On Friday in Queens, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) responded defiantly to Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who threatened to refer her to the Justice Department. This came after her office hosted a “Know Your Rights” webinar aimed at advising immigrants on how to avoid deportation. Ocasio-Cortez asserted her commitment to free speech and emphasized that her efforts to inform migrants of their constitutional protections were lawful. She boldly declared to a supportive crowd, “Come for me, do I look like I care?” dismissing Homan’s threats as mere intimidation tactics.
Homan’s comments reflected a broader concern within the Trump administration regarding the push for strict immigration enforcement. He accused Ocasio-Cortez of potentially crossing legal boundaries with her advocacy, implying that she could be obstructing ICE’s operations. He labeled her actions as attempts to help migrants evade law enforcement, stating, “What she’s really doing… is trying to teach them how to evade law enforcement.” Ocasio-Cortez countered this by reassuring her constituents that there was nothing illegal about her actions and that if the law were to change to constrain such information sharing, she would oppose it vehemently.
During the town hall meeting, Ocasio-Cortez criticized the Trump administration’s approach to immigration, labeling deportations as “sanctioned kidnappings,” particularly referencing the deportation of Venezuelan gang members. She advised attendees on their rights in situations involving ICE, explaining how they could request to see a judicial warrant before allowing agents into their homes or workplaces. This interactive advice not only aimed to empower her constituents but also underscored her opposition to aggressive immigration policies.
The event drew a significant crowd, including many supporters and a few dissenters. Most audience members engaged positively with Ocasio-Cortez as she discussed various topics, from raising the minimum wage to improving air quality. The congresswoman received particularly enthusiastic applause when expressing her opposition to a proposed casino development at Citi Field, even though she clarified that it was a state issue beyond her direct control.
However, the town hall was not without disruption. At one point, a protester interrupted, accusing Ocasio-Cortez of complicity in the “genocide” in Gaza, leading to a heated exchange that momentarily shifted the dynamics in the room. Her statement ignited a chorus of boos and shouts of “shame” from the audience, reflecting their support for Ocasio-Cortez against the disruptive criticism. Security intervened, escorting the protester out, allowing Ocasio-Cortez to re-engage with her constituents.
Overall, the town hall served as a platform for Ocasio-Cortez to reaffirm her commitment to her district and her progressive agenda while confrontationally responding to criticisms from immigration hardliners. As she navigated local concerns and broader political issues, her presence resonated strongly with many attendees, reflecting her pivotal role in the ongoing immigration debate in America.
