U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has found herself in the spotlight once again—this time after a high-ranking official at the Department of Homeland Security warned she could face arrest if she follows through with a recent vow related to immigration enforcement.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS, stated during an interview on Fox News’ The Bottom Line that Ocasio-Cortez might be detained if she attempts actions similar to those taken by other Democratic lawmakers, who recently clashed with immigration authorities while attempting to access federal detention facilities.
“There’s a real chance of that happening if she trespasses or confronts law enforcement the way we’ve already seen,” McLaughlin said. “Some Democrats say they’re exercising congressional oversight—but that doesn’t give them a free pass to break the law.”
Her remarks come on the heels of an incident involving Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was taken into federal custody after trying to enter an ICE detention center and allegedly refusing to comply with orders to leave. Video of Baraka confronting officers quickly went viral, shared in part by Ocasio-Cortez on her Instagram account Sunday.
Federal prosecutors claim Baraka ignored repeated warnings and ultimately trespassed, leading to a physical standoff outside the facility. DHS described the situation as chaotic, saying Baraka joined protesters attempting to breach the gate. Democratic Representatives LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Rob Menendez Jr., all of New Jersey, were reportedly also present.
McLaughlin emphasized that DHS would have welcomed them—had the proper procedures been followed.
“This wasn’t about transparency,” she said. “It was political theater. If they wanted a tour, we have clear protocols—they could’ve just asked with 24 hours’ notice.”
Congresswoman Coleman later said they were “escorted in” as part of their official oversight role. However, AOC struck a defiant tone in a video message, warning that ICE and DHS officers would face consequences if they “laid a finger” on Coleman or any other lawmakers. “If you touch Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman or any of the others, there will be consequences,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
The following day, ICE released bodycam footage of the confrontation and accused Rep. McIver of assaulting an officer during the chaos. McLaughlin defended the agency’s decision to house detainees at the Delaney Hall facility, noting that those held there include individuals accused or convicted of severe crimes, including sexual assault, gang violence, and terrorism.
“This isn’t about immigration policy debates—it’s about public safety,” McLaughlin said.
