Border Czar Tom Homan announced that a federal investigation has been officially opened into Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) over allegations that she employed an undocumented immigrant on her congressional staff and allegedly assisted other undocumented individuals in evading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
According to Homan, the inquiry focuses on two potential violations: first, employing an undocumented individual who subsequently assisted another person in avoiding ICE enforcement; and second, allegedly providing guidance that could be interpreted as obstructing federal authorities. In an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Homan stated that he has instructed the agency to pursue legal action if evidence supports the claims.
“It’s being looked at,” Homan said, referring to the allegations regarding AOC employing an undocumented worker. “I can’t comment beyond that. But I’ve asked ICE to thoroughly investigate the case. As far as her educating people on how to evade ICE arrests, she’s really educating them on how to avoid prosecution. There are statutes on the books that make it a crime to knowingly hinder removal from the country.”
Johnson questioned how an undocumented immigrant could have secured employment in Congress and potentially accessed sensitive information. Homan stressed that it would not be permissible and emphasized that the congresswoman would be held accountable if the claims prove accurate.
The individual in question, Diego de la Vega, voluntarily left the U.S. in March amid intensified deportation efforts by the Trump administration, citing safety concerns. De la Vega first became politically active in 2010 when he supported the DREAM Act, legislation intended to provide a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Despite his undocumented status, de la Vega previously served as a “special assistant” to former Harlem Assemblymember Robert J. Rodriguez and interned for Representative Carolyn Maloney (D). In 2022, he was appointed Deputy Communications Director by Ocasio-Cortez. AOC has publicly praised him, stating in an interview with Migrant Insider, “Diego is amazing.”
Homan sent an email to the Deputy Attorney General requesting a formal federal investigation into Ocasio-Cortez. The announcement came shortly after reports surfaced that the New York Democrat had hosted webinars aimed at informing undocumented immigrants about how to respond during ICE interactions.
Ocasio-Cortez confirmed that she had requested clarification from the Trump administration regarding the alleged investigation but had not received a response. “I’ve asked them; they haven’t responded to me,” she told Fox News. “I was once again using the First Amendment to inform people of their constitutional rights. They say a lot of things, but I’ve submitted a formal letter, and I have yet to get a response.”
Earlier this year, the congresswoman organized a “Know Your Rights” webinar, conducted in both English and Spanish, which provided legal guidance for undocumented immigrants on interacting with ICE officers. Participants were instructed that they are not required to open the door for ICE unless presented with a judge-signed warrant. The session also offered information about accessing pro bono legal assistance and encouraged participants to sign privacy release forms that would allow her office to advocate on their behalf in deportation proceedings.
Ocasio-Cortez has strongly denied any wrongdoing, describing the possibility of a federal inquiry as politically motivated.
Meanwhile, her office has faced criticism over the rising crime rates in her district. Since her election in 2019, major crimes in the Bronx and Queens have reportedly increased by roughly 70 percent. According to reports, the 110th Precinct in Queens, which covers parts of Roosevelt Avenue—an area notorious for human trafficking and prostitution—experienced a 105 percent surge in major crimes, the highest increase among New York City precincts during that period. The 115th Precinct also saw an 85 percent increase.
Residents have expressed frustration with Ocasio-Cortez’s response to the growing crime. “She’s not doing anything. She doesn’t live in the neighborhood; she doesn’t care,” said Elmhurst resident and former supporter Guadelupe Alvarez.
The federal investigation, combined with mounting local criticism, has intensified scrutiny of Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional activities, her engagement with constituents, and her involvement in issues related to undocumented immigrants, drawing both political and public attention.
