Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Awaits DOJ Clarification Amid Legal Questions Over Advocacy Event
Washington, D.C. — Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has confirmed she has not received a formal response from the Department of Justice after requesting clarity on whether her involvement in a recent immigrant rights webinar is under federal investigation.
In a brief exchange with an independent journalist at the Capitol, Ocasio-Cortez was asked if she had been notified of any probe. “They haven’t responded to me,” she said. “I’ve submitted a formal request for clarity, but I haven’t heard anything back.”
The situation stems from a virtual “Know Your Rights” session hosted earlier this year, which aimed to provide legal education to immigrant communities. The event, held in English and Spanish, included guidance on handling ICE encounters, the legal requirement for judge-signed warrants, and access to pro bono legal resources. Attendees were also given forms that allowed her office to advocate on their behalf in immigration-related matters.
The event drew criticism from former immigration officials, including Tom Homan, who publicly questioned whether such actions could be seen as obstruction of justice. Homan reportedly contacted the DOJ, seeking an official opinion on whether Ocasio-Cortez’s role crossed a legal line.
In response, the congresswoman sent a letter to the DOJ defending her actions. “I am simply informing people of their constitutional and legal rights,” she wrote. “Sharing public legal information is not illegal—it’s a core part of my duties.” She also suggested political motivations might be driving the scrutiny.
Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that her focus remains on protecting her constituents’ rights and ensuring they understand legal processes. “My goal is empowerment through information,” she said. “That’s not a crime—it’s my job.”
As of now, the Department of Justice has not issued a public comment, and no official charges or investigations have been announced. Despite the uncertainty, Ocasio-Cortez continues to stand by her actions and maintain that her webinar was both lawful and necessary.