“It’s being looked at,” Homan said during the interview. “I’m aware of it, and we’ve asked ICE to review the situation.”
Homan also referenced concerns about public “Know Your Rights” information sessions hosted by Ocasio-Cortez’s office, arguing that advising immigrants on their legal rights could, in some circumstances, raise legal questions. Legal experts note, however, that educating individuals about constitutional protections is generally permitted under U.S. law.
Former staff member’s background
The allegations center in part on Diego de la Vega, a former communications staffer who left the United States earlier this year. De la Vega has been politically active for more than a decade and previously worked with several Democratic lawmakers in New York. In 2022, he was appointed Deputy Communications Director in Ocasio-Cortez’s office.
Ocasio-Cortez has previously praised de la Vega’s work and has not publicly acknowledged any wrongdoing related to his employment. There is no public confirmation that he had access to classified information, and congressional offices typically follow established hiring and security procedures.
Ocasio-Cortez responds
Ocasio-Cortez has denied any improper conduct and said she has not been formally notified of an investigation.
“I’ve asked whether I’m under investigation, and I haven’t received a response,” she told Fox News. “What I have done is exercise my First Amendment rights by informing people of their constitutional protections.”
Her office has organized “Know Your Rights” webinars in both English and Spanish, where attorneys provide general legal information to immigrants. These sessions have included guidance on interactions with ICE, such as explaining that individuals are not required to open their doors without a warrant signed by a judge. Her office has also shared information on how to access legal assistance.
Ocasio-Cortez has described criticism of these efforts as politically motivated.
Crime concerns in the district
Separately, some critics have pointed to rising crime rates in parts of Ocasio-Cortez’s Bronx and Queens district. According to publicly available NYPD data cited by local media outlets, certain precincts in the area have experienced increases in major crimes in recent years.
Community members have expressed frustration over public safety issues, though crime trends across New York City have fluctuated during the same period and are influenced by multiple factors beyond the control of individual lawmakers.
At this time, no charges have been filed against Ocasio-Cortez, and federal agencies have not confirmed the existence or scope of any formal investigation.