Federal Investigation Reportedly Targets AOC Over Hiring Allegations

Federal authorities have allegedly opened an investigation into Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) following claims that she knowingly employed an undocumented immigrant and helped others evade immigration enforcement. The inquiry, reportedly launched by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is said to focus on whether Ocasio-Cortez’s office violated federal immigration laws by hiring an unauthorized worker and providing guidance to others on avoiding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

According to reports, former ICE Director Tom Homan, who now serves in an advisory capacity on border policy, confirmed that federal agencies are reviewing the matter. Homan stated that evidence had been referred to DHS and ICE for examination. “It’s being looked into,” he said in a recent interview. “This isn’t just about avoiding arrest — it could involve teaching others how to evade enforcement, which is a serious federal offense.”

Who Is Involved

The investigation allegedly centers around Diego de la Vega, a former Deputy Communications Director in Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional office. De la Vega, who began working with her team in 2022, has been described as a passionate political activist who previously collaborated with several Democratic lawmakers in New York. Reports claim that he lacked legal immigration status during this period but was still employed in an official capacity.

Before joining Ocasio-Cortez’s staff, de la Vega reportedly worked for former New York Assemblymember Robert J. Rodriguez and interned for Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) — positions that, according to allegations, he also held without proper work authorization. He is said to have left the United States voluntarily earlier this year, citing safety and privacy concerns after discussions of his immigration status surfaced in the media.

In a past interview, Ocasio-Cortez praised de la Vega, describing him as “an incredible team member who embodies the values and dreams that define America.” Her comments have since drawn criticism from political opponents who argue that her words downplay the seriousness of federal employment and immigration laws.

What Sparked the Probe

The reported investigation began after Homan allegedly sent a formal referral to the Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier this year, requesting a review of potential violations by Ocasio-Cortez and her staff. This referral followed claims that her congressional office had hosted public workshops offering “community safety guidance” for undocumented residents — sessions some critics claim went beyond legal advocacy and crossed into promoting methods for avoiding ICE encounters.

Federal officials have stated that if any member of Congress knowingly employed or harbored an undocumented immigrant, it could violate several provisions of Title 8 of the U.S. Code, including statutes against unlawful employment, harboring, and obstruction of enforcement operations. The same laws carry potential civil and criminal penalties.

Reaction from Ocasio-Cortez’s Office

Ocasio-Cortez’s team has not issued a detailed public statement regarding the current allegations, but aides have previously dismissed similar accusations as politically motivated. In earlier comments, they described attempts to link her to immigration violations as “efforts to criminalize compassion” and to discredit her longstanding advocacy for humane immigration reform.

The congresswoman has been an outspoken critic of ICE and federal immigration policies since her election in 2018, often calling for a complete overhaul of the immigration enforcement system. Her critics, however, argue that her activism sometimes crosses into actions that could blur the line between lawful advocacy and potential interference with federal operations.

Possible Legal Consequences

Legal experts note that investigations into sitting members of Congress are rare but not without precedent. If the Department of Justice or DHS determines that laws were indeed broken, the findings could be referred to the House Ethics Committee or even to a federal grand jury. Potential consequences could range from ethics sanctions and financial penalties to criminal prosecution, depending on the evidence and intent behind the alleged conduct.

However, without formal charges or public confirmation from federal agencies, many legal analysts caution against assuming guilt. Political observers have also pointed out that Ocasio-Cortez has often been the target of intense partisan scrutiny, and some believe this investigation — if real — could reflect broader political motivations rather than purely legal concerns.

What Comes Next

For now, the investigation remains ongoing, and no official charges or findings have been released. It is unclear how long the review might take or whether it will result in any formal action. Until then, the situation continues to generate debate over the responsibilities of lawmakers and the boundaries of immigration advocacy within public office.

As one senior official reportedly said regarding the matter, “The law applies equally to everyone — regardless of party, position, or power.”