AOC is plotting against Trump again.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is once again escalating her long-running opposition to federal immigration enforcement — this time by urging Senate Democrats to block funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a critical budget fight.
In a series of weekend social media posts, the New York progressive argued that recent confrontations involving federal agents prove the agency should be defunded, claiming constitutional rights are being eroded and calling on Democrats to take immediate legislative action. She also suggested the federal government deploy additional resources, including the National Guard, to intervene.
The renewed controversy follows a deadly encounter in Minneapolis involving federal authorities during an immigration enforcement operation. According to officials, 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti was fatally wounded after allegedly advancing toward agents while displaying what law enforcement described as a potential threat. Authorities say the agent involved acted out of concern for officer safety during a rapidly evolving situation.
Border Patrol leadership characterized the incident as extremely dangerous, stating that agents believed the individual intended to cause serious harm. Federal officials have emphasized that immigration officers routinely face unpredictable and high-risk conditions while carrying out lawful duties.
The Minneapolis incident is one of several high-profile federal enforcement encounters in recent weeks, fueling protests and political backlash across the region. Local officials and progressive activists have increasingly used these events to argue for sweeping changes — or outright elimination — of ICE and related agencies.
Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent member of the far-left “Squad,” has been among the loudest voices pushing that agenda. Her call to block ICE funding comes as Congress negotiates government spending bills, raising the prospect of another budget showdown that could directly impact border security operations.
Conservatives argue the strategy is no coincidence. By tying immigration enforcement funding to emotionally charged incidents, critics say progressive lawmakers are attempting to weaken President Trump’s ability to enforce federal immigration law without directly debating border policy itself.
Supporters of ICE counter that defunding the agency would not reduce crime or restore order, but instead place law-abiding communities and law enforcement officers at greater risk. They note that ICE’s primary mission involves detaining criminal non-citizens and assisting local authorities — not targeting peaceful residents.
With border security once again emerging as a defining issue of the election cycle, voters are left to decide whether calls to dismantle federal enforcement agencies represent reform — or a deliberate effort to undermine the rule of law during President Trump’s second term.
