Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's border czar, has publicly condemned Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for offering a controversial online seminar that provides migrants with guidance on interacting with immigration authorities.

Homan's censure of Ocasio-Cortez underscores the escalating debate on immigration enforcement, as immigration arrests under President Trump's administration have surged significantly, as Fox News reports.

The administration official criticized Ocasio-Cortez for organizing a webinar aimed at educating migrants about their rights when dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The event was streamed on Ocasio-Cortez's Facebook page and provided information on how to handle ICE encounters, including strategies to identify different types of search warrants, the importance of documenting searches, and recognizing the tactics ICE agents might use to facilitate a search.

Webinar Stirs Controversy

While Ocasio-Cortez did not directly host the session, she actively promoted tips related to the topic on Instagram. These posts were available in both English and Spanish, expanding her outreach to a broader audience.

This action drew the ire of Homan, who has accused the Congresswoman of undermining federal law enforcement efforts.

In response to her actions, Homan contacted the deputy attorney general to determine whether her activities constituted interference with federal operations. His request was aimed at clarifying whether such guidance might obstruct ICE agents as they enforce immigration laws.

The interaction took another turn when Ocasio-Cortez responded to Homan's comments on the social media platform X. She offered a pointed rebuttal and, at one point, mockingly suggested that Homan might face "trouble" for escalating the issue.

ICE Enforcement Sparks Political Tensions

Homan has been vocal about his objections, stating that assisting individuals in the U.S. illegally contradicts the law. He also questioned whether Ocasio-Cortez's actions were impeding operational objectives, especially during a period where ICE interior arrests have climbed dramatically, with a 137% rise in 2025 compared to the previous year.

The context of this clash includes a broader discussion about the nature of undocumented status in the United States. Ocasio-Cortez reminded Homan that undocumented presence is classified as a civil offense, not a criminal one.

This distinction is a pivotal element of the ongoing debate on immigration policies and enforcement.

Officials Respond to Increasing Deportations

Despite New York City’s status as a sanctuary jurisdiction, Mayor Eric Adams has shown a willingness to cooperate with federal authorities regarding the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants. Adams has engaged in dialogue with Homan to scrutinize ICE's operations at local facilities, such as Rikers Island.

This disagreement between Homan and Ocasio-Cortez highlights not just their clashing views on immigration policy, but also the contentious nature of enforcement tactics and legal interpretations.

Homan's prayers that those educated by Ocasio-Cortez are not "the next murderer" serve to underline the level of emotion and concern driving this public discourse.

The request for a Justice Department investigation into Ocasio-Cortez’s webinar underscores the high stakes involved. Both sides of the debate see this as a crucial issue impacting the broader discussion about immigration policy under the Trump administration.

Broader Implications of the Policy Debate

Homan's insistence that it is unlawful to aid individuals in the U.S. illegally resonates with those advocating for strong immigration enforcement measures. Conversely, Ocasio-Cortez’s promotion of "Know Your Rights" information seeks to empower both citizens and noncitizens, emphasizing constitutional protections.

The sharp divergence in viewpoints reflects ongoing debates over the handling of immigration enforcement. As ICE operations intensify, efforts like Ocasio-Cortez’s webinar continue to spark significant controversy and legal scrutiny.

This incident represents a microcosm of the larger policy debates that have dominated American politics, and the outcomes of these disputes could have lasting effects on immigration law and its enforcement. The dialogue between Homan and Ocasio-Cortez remains a telling highlight of the complex interplay between policy, politics, and individual rights.