Tensions flared once again between former Trump administration immigration official Tom Homan and Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after a high-profile incident at an ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey led to federal charges against a Democrat congresswoman.
During a recent appearance on Fox News, Homan responded sharply to Ocasio-Cortez’s prior threats against law enforcement action involving members of Congress. “Just a couple weeks ago, AOC said there would be consequences if anyone laid a finger on her colleagues,” Homan noted. “Well, guess what? We did it. I’m still waiting on the consequences.”
Tom Homan: “Remember a couple weeks ago AOC said if we put a finger on Congress people from the Newark facility, there would be consequences? Well, guess what? We did it. I’m waiting on the consequences.”
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— TheBlaze (@theblaze) May 28, 2025
The confrontation involved Democrat Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey, who was present during an oversight visit to the ICE facility. According to federal prosecutors, McIver attempted to physically block the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, leading to two felony charges of assaulting and impeding officers. Each count carries up to eight years in prison. McIver has dismissed the charges as political retaliation and claims her actions are being distorted for partisan purposes.
In response, Ocasio-Cortez rushed to defend McIver and others involved, alleging that the Department of Homeland Security—under Trump-appointed leadership—was the real lawbreaker. “If anyone is violating the law here, it’s DHS, not members of Congress,” she said, before warning, “You touch any of our representatives, and we’ve got a problem.”
The exchange marks another chapter in the ongoing feud between Homan and Ocasio-Cortez, who have repeatedly clashed over immigration enforcement. Homan has criticized Ocasio-Cortez for organizing events like her “Know Your Rights with ICE” webinar, which he claims encourages illegal immigrants to obstruct law enforcement. In response, Ocasio-Cortez dismissed Homan’s criticism, defiantly saying, “Come for me. Do I look like I care?”
This escalating dispute highlights the broader battle lines over immigration, law enforcement, and congressional accountability. While Democrats continue to frame enforcement actions as political overreach, Trump-aligned officials like Homan argue they are simply upholding the law—no matter who tries to stand in the way.