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Republican Border Czar Tom Homan has announced the initiation of a federal investigation into Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) regarding allegations that she employed an undocumented immigrant on her congressional staff and aided other illegal aliens in evading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The investigation centers on two main claims: that Ocasio-Cortez employed an undocumented immigrant who later assisted another individual in avoiding ICE apprehension, and that she provided education to illegal immigrants on how to evade arrest. In an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Homan confirmed that the agency has been directed to pursue legal action if warranted.
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It was stated that the matter of AOC employing an illegal alien was being looked at, but no further comment could be made. Awareness of the issue was acknowledged, and ICE had been asked to investigate the case thoroughly. Regarding her educating people on evading ICE arrests, it was explained that the education was focused on how to avoid prosecution, as statutes exist that classify knowingly hindering removal as a crime. When questioned about how an undocumented immigrant could obtain congressional employment and potentially access classified information, Homan responded firmly, It is not possible, and emphasized that accountability will follow if the allegations prove true.
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Diego de la Vega, who voluntarily departed the nation in March amidst heightened deportation operations, is the subject of the investigation. Despite his illegal status, De la Vega, who has been politically active since 2010 and supports the DREAM Act, interned for Representative Carolyn Maloney and served as a special assistant to former Harlem Assemblymember Robert J. Rodriguez.
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In 2022, Ocasio-Cortez appointed de la Vega as her Deputy Communications Director, praising him publicly. However, following reports of Ocasio-Cortez hosting seminars teaching undocumented immigrants how to avoid ICE enforcement, Homan sent a formal request to the deputy attorney general for an investigation in February.
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It has been publicly denied by Ocasio-Cortez that any wrongdoing occurred, with it being asserted that her First Amendment rights were being exercised by informing individuals of their constitutional protections. It was conveyed to Fox News that inquiries had been made, but no response had been received. It was further stated that the First Amendment was being fully utilized to inform people of their constitutional rights.
She further warned that detaining an elected official without grounds would represent a tremendous sea change and escalation in government behavior, cautioning about the broader implications for democracy and international perceptions.
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Earlier this year, Ocasio-Cortez organized a Know Your Rights webinar, offering legal guidance to undocumented immigrants on handling encounters with ICE. The forum provided information on legal responses and advised that immigrants “do not have to open the door” to ICE unless officials presented a judge-signed warrant.
Her office also distributed resources for obtaining pro bono legal aid and encouraged undocumented individuals to sign privacy release forms permitting congressional office intervention in deportation proceedings. Despite ongoing scrutiny, Ocasio-Cortez has labeled the investigation politically motivated and has consistently denied any improper conduct.
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