In resurfaced footage from a congressional hearing in the first Trump administration, Tom Homan shut down Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) while sparring about his “zero-tolerance” policies the former ICE director. During Trump’s first presidency, Democrats slammed the president and his officials over the separation of children from their families upon being apprehended at the southern border.
As background, AOC sounded off on Homan over a letter he had signed but not authored that endorsed the separation of illegal immigrants after being detained. In response, Homan shot down AOC’s argument with facts about U.S. law. The progressive “Squad” member had previously suggested that family separation was a violation of human rights.
Beginning her arguments against Homan, AOC said before Congress, “But it says here that you read, you gave her numerous options, but the recommendation was option three, family separation.” Homan said, “I’m saying this is not the only paper where we’ve given the secretary numerous options to secure the border and save lives.” AOC noted, “And so the recommendation of the many that you recommended, you recommended family separation.”
AOC then suggested the policy was at odds with an “international human rights agreement” the U.S. reportedly adheres to. “So we as members of the United Nations signed on into an international human rights agreement, saying very clearly that family separation is a violation of international human rights, and we pursued a policy that violates human rights. You know, Mr. Chair, I was looking, how did we get to this point?” she asked.
Providing further details about the zero-tolerance policy, Homan said, “I recommend a zero-tolerance … the same as is whatever US citizen, parent gets arrested when they’re with a child.” However, AOC didn’t seem to buy into Homan’s argument, continuing to push back. Homan built on his point, stating, “If I get arrested for DUI and I have a young child in a car, I’m gonna be separated. When I was a police officer in New York and I arrested a father for domestic violence, I separated that father from the family.”
AOC then asserted, “Mr. Homan, with all due respect, legal asylees are not charged with any crime.” Homan then employed facts about U.S. law, explaining that someone who crosses the border illegally, whether seeking asylum or not, is still committing a crime if they don’t use a legal port of entry. “When you’re in the country illegally, it’s violation eight United States Code, 1325,” he said.
Seemingly unmoved by Homan’s point, AOC said, “Seeking asylum is legal.” Homan responded, “If you want to seek asylum and go to the port of entry. Do it the legal way.” AOC then appeared visibly frustrated with Homan, slamming his assertion. “The Attorney General of the United States and made that clear,” added.
