WASHINGTON, D.C. — New York City Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) wants to know if she’s under investigation by the Department of Justice for holding an online forum to help illegal aliens living in New York City evade federal immigration authorities.
In a letter sent Tuesday to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Ocasio-Cortez alleged that “Border Czar” Tom Homan has repeatedly threatened her with prosecution for distributing information about legal rights to constituents.
She stated that Homan’s comments, made on multiple media platforms, suggest an effort to punish her for actions protected under the First Amendment.
“Threatening elected officials for exercising the First Amendment is itself a violation of the First Amendment,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote in her letter, arguing that such rhetoric undermines constitutional freedoms.
The former bartender turned congresswoman pointed to a February 13 statement from Homan in which he claimed to have asked the Deputy Attorney General to open an investigation into her activities. She noted that 14 days had passed without official confirmation of an inquiry, but raised concerns that political pressure could be influencing DOJ actions.
The congresswoman cited comments from Vice President J.D. Vance, who recently said that while he may disagree with some speech, he would “fight to defend your right to utter it.”
She urged the DOJ to adhere to that principle and clarify whether an investigation into her is underway.
Ocasio-Cortez framed the issue as a broader test of democratic principles, arguing that no government agency should be used to target political opponents, even if they are assisting criminals evade federal law enforcement and court-ordered deportations.