Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is at the center of a heated controversy following an interaction with independent journalist Nick Sortor.
The confrontation occurred on Capitol Hill as Sortor pressed the congresswoman about her stance on the ongoing migrant crisis and its impact on her constituents.
In a video shared by Sortor on X (formerly Twitter), he is seen questioning Ocasio-Cortez about why she has not condemned the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the border crisis.
Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!
Ocasio-Cortez initially avoided answering the questions, but the situation escalated when her aide physically blocked Sortor, allegedly shoving him away.
“Get your hands off me,” Sortor is heard saying in the video. The interaction led Ocasio-Cortez to accuse Sortor of assault.
However, after reviewing the incident, Capitol Police sided with Sortor, confirming no assault occurred.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: I confronted AOC at the Capitol over her refusal to condemn the Biden Migrant Crisis, which led to a migrant setting an innocent woman on fire today
AOC blamed DANIEL PENNY for subways being unsafe, and encourages even MORE unvetted migrants to pour across the… pic.twitter.com/g71lGW8JEv
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 23, 2024
The incident has fueled criticism of Ocasio-Cortez’s approach to both immigration and public safety issues.
Ocasio-Cortez has faced mounting scrutiny for her handling of the migrant crisis, particularly regarding its effects on New York City.
Despite calls for federal assistance, many critics argue she has not adequately addressed the crisis or its consequences for her constituents.
During a press conference outside the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan in September 2023, she was met with vocal opposition from protesters expressing frustration over the migrant situation.
The congresswoman has consistently called for increased federal resources to aid New York City in managing the influx of migrants.
However, her approach has not quelled criticism, with opponents pointing to the ongoing strain on city resources and services as evidence of ineffective policies.
The Capitol Hill confrontation is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez has drawn criticism.
She has also been a vocal critic of Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran involved in the death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway.
Following Penny’s acquittal, Ocasio-Cortez expressed concerns about public safety and accountability.
“If we do not want violence on our subways, and the point of our justice system is a level of accountability to prevent a person who does not have remorse about taking another person’s life… then we should exert a level of accountability to prevent that from happening,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
FLASHBACK: In May 2023, AOC explained that NYC subways would be safer if violent threats like Daniel Penny were locked up:
“The fact that a person has expressed no remorse indicates there’s a risk that it may happen again. And if we do not want to unleash that level of violence,… pic.twitter.com/70ZhBggOhG
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) December 10, 2024
Her comments came amid ongoing debate about the incident, with many viewing Penny as a protector who intervened in a threatening situation.
Her remarks sparked backlash from those who argue that Penny’s actions were justified in a moment of crisis.
Critics have accused Ocasio-Cortez of focusing on rhetoric that undermines public safety efforts while failing to address broader issues affecting her constituents.
The recent Capitol Hill confrontation and Ocasio-Cortez’s broader approach to issues like immigration and public safety highlight her divisive role in national politics.
While supporters laud her progressive stance, critics argue her policies and rhetoric have exacerbated challenges in her district and beyond.
As public scrutiny intensifies, Ocasio-Cortez continues to face pressure from both sides of the political spectrum to address the pressing concerns of her constituents and navigate the controversies surrounding her actions and statements.
.
