Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is seeking clarification from the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding a possible investigation into her recent efforts to inform the public about their legal rights in immigration-related situations.
The New York representative sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, requesting confirmation on whether the DOJ is reviewing her “Know Your Rights” webinar, which she hosted earlier this year. The event, which was presented in both English and Spanish, focused on educating individuals about how to legally respond to encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The webinar featured attorneys from the Immigrant Defense Project and emphasized constitutional protections for individuals approached by immigration officers. In addition to the webinar, her office distributed printed materials designed to simplify and explain legal rights and options for the public.
After the event, Tom Homan, a former federal immigration official, voiced concerns that the information shared could help people avoid detention. He publicly stated that he had referred Ocasio-Cortez to the DOJ for potential review.
In her letter, Ocasio-Cortez defended her actions, writing: “Educating the public about their rights is a central part of what elected officials are supposed to do—especially during times of uncertainty or heightened enforcement activity.” She also requested an update from the DOJ on whether an investigation had been initiated or if her office’s outreach efforts were under review.
The situation has sparked a broader debate about the line between public education and law enforcement, particularly regarding immigration. Supporters of Ocasio-Cortez’s initiative argue that the event was simply aimed at ensuring individuals understand their legal protections, while critics raise concerns about the potential repercussions of such outreach.
As of now, the Department of Justice has not responded publicly to the inquiry.
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