Federal officials have reportedly opened an investigation into Representative Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez (D-NY) amid allegations that she knowingly employed an undocumented immigrant and may have helped others evade enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to former “Border Czar” Tom Homan, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been asked to review evidence pointing to a staffer, believed to be undocumented, who may have played a role in facilitating avoidance of ICE detection. India Today+2The Times of India+2
In a recent interview, Homan confirmed the case is under federal review, noting:
“It’s being looked into… ICE has been asked to examine the situation closely. What we’re seeing isn’t just someone avoiding arrest — it’s an attempt to teach others how to avoid prosecution, which is illegal.” India Today+1
If the allegations were substantiated, they could potentially trigger multiple violations of federal immigration law — including the harboring or employment of unauthorized aliens and obstruction of enforcement operations.
Legal experts say a sitting member of Congress faces unique scrutiny if found to have employed someone without lawful status or assisted in evading law enforcement.
Still, no formal charges have been filed, and the investigation remains at its early stages.
Who is alleged to be involved?
The probe reportedly focuses on Diego de la Vega, who was said to serve as Deputy Communications Director for Ocasio-Cortez beginning in 2022. Reports indicate he previously worked with other lawmakers despite undocumented status. Migrant Insider
Sources claim that de la Vega left the U.S. voluntarily in March citing safety concerns amid a renewed federal push to remove undocumented workers from public employment. India Today+1
What triggered the investigation?
According to DHS‐linked sources, Homan submitted a formal referral to the Deputy Attorney General in February asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review Ocasio-Cortez’s office after reports that community seminars were held advising undocumented residents how to “protect themselves” from ICE operations. Critics argue those seminars may have crossed the line from education into legal risk. The Times of India
Under U.S. law (Title 8 of the U.S. Code), knowingly assisting unauthorized immigrants or interfering with removal procedures may constitute a crime. Officials say public officials are not exempt.
Ocasio-Cortez’s response
Ocasio-Cortez’s office has not issued a formal, detailed statement on the investigation. Previously, her aides have dismissed similar allegations as politically motivated, branding them “attempts to criminalize compassion.”
The congresswoman has long been outspoken in her criticism of ICE and has called for comprehensive immigration reform.
What happens next?
Investigations of lawmakers are rare but not unprecedented. Legal observers say the case could be referred to the House Ethics Committee or a federal grand jury if sufficient evidence arises.
For now, the matter is unresolved, and Ocasio-Cortez remains under scrutiny.
One federal official summed it up succinctly:
“The law applies to everyone — regardless of title, party, or position.”