Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is defending a recent “Know Your Rights” forum she hosted to educate constituents—including undocumented immigrants—about legal protections under U.S. law. Critics, including former ICE official Tom Homan, claimed the event could aid individuals in avoiding enforcement and referred it to the Department of Justice.

Ocasio-Cortez responded that her role includes educating the public on constitutional rights like due process and protection from unlawful searches, which apply to all individuals in the U.S., regardless of immigration status. She denied giving specific legal advice and emphasized that sharing public legal information is both lawful and essential. In a formal letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, she requested clarity on whether her office is under investigation, warning that criminalizing civic education could set a dangerous precedent. Legal experts largely support her position, noting that such speech is protected by the First Amendment. The situation has sparked broader debate over the limits of public outreach by elected officials.