A DHS spokeswoman warned Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) could be arrested if she attempts to interfere with ICE operations, as other Democrats have recently done.
Tricia McLaughlin said on Fox News that if AOC “trespasses and attacks law enforcement,” similar to recent incidents, arrest is possible.
The warning follows the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who clashed with ICE officers after being denied entry to a detention facility. Baraka was charged with trespassing and ignoring DHS warnings.
DHS described the scene as chaotic, with Baraka joining a group attempting to force entry. Other Democratic Reps., including LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Rob Menendez Jr., were also present.
McLaughlin criticized the incident as political theater, saying lawmakers could have requested a tour with proper notice. AOC later posted a video warning ICE agents not to “lay a finger” on any lawmakers, threatening consequences if they did. ICE released bodycam footage showing the confrontation and accused McIver of assaulting an agent. DHS defended the detention center, saying it houses serious offenders including rapists, child predators, MS-13 members, and suspected terrorists.
