AOC calls out DOJ over potential probe into immigration webinar
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has raised concerns about a potential federal investigation into a “Know Your Rights” immigration webinar she held in February. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Ocasio-Cortez expressed frustration over not receiving a response from authorities regarding the investigation.
“I’ve asked them, they haven’t responded to me, but you know, I was once again fully using the First Amendment to inform people of their constitutional rights. They say a lot of things, but I’ve written a formal letter, and they won’t respond,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
The congresswoman also discussed the implications of a lawmaker being arrested by the Trump administration without valid grounds. She described it as a “tremendous sea change and escalation” in the administration’s willingness to bend laws and norms.
Ocasio-Cortez raised concerns about how America’s allies would perceive such an “authoritarian development” as the U.S. arresting one of its own sitting congress members. She emphasized the global consequences of such actions and urged the administration to consider the broader impact.
In February, Ocasio-Cortez challenged “border czar” Tom Homan to take action after he suggested referring her to the Justice Department for prosecution. Homan accused Ocasio-Cortez of advising illegal immigrants on how to avoid deportation, prompting a response from the congresswoman asserting her right to free speech.
In a letter to Attorney General Pamela Bondi, Ocasio-Cortez sought clarification on whether the DOJ was yielding to political pressure and weaponizing investigations against elected officials they disagree with. She emphasized the importance of educating the public about their rights and condemned the use of threats to suppress free speech.
Despite setting a deadline for the DOJ to respond to her letter, Ocasio-Cortez indicated that she had not received a reply by the specified date. Fox News Digital reached out to the Justice Department for comment on the matter.
It is essential to uphold the principles of free speech and protect individuals’ rights to express themselves without fear of political prosecution. Ocasio-Cortez’s advocacy for constitutional protections serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values in a time of uncertainty and political polarization.
