AOC Town Hall in Jackson Heights: A Call for Action and Accountability

AOC thanks the crowd at the conclusion of the town hall

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) began her Jackson Heights Town Hall by addressing the significant cuts that are affecting her NY-14 constituents.

AOC points to the Trump/DOGE impacts on NY-14

She emphasized that the upcoming cuts to programs such as Medicaid and unemployment benefits will impact everyone, from those on disability to the unemployed—just to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.

Medicaid and the Impact on Families

AOC highlighted that 40% of babies born in the U.S. are covered by Medicaid, and next week, the Republican caucus plans to go line by line to review these cuts. While the process was initially scheduled for this week, it was postponed due to shifting political tensions.

Immigration: Protecting Families and the Constitution

When discussing immigration, AOC stressed the importance of keeping families together while ensuring community safety.

“My office is a safe space to answer your questions about your status or any inquiries about your case,” she said. “We’ve been able to resolve many issues for those affected. Please reach out to us; we have a great track record.” This statement was met with applause.

She also expressed her frustration with President Trump's stance on immigration. “To Trump, everyone who is undocumented is a criminal,” she said. “This includes babies and doctors who only know this country as home. They’re starting with canceling Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for those fleeing dangerous conditions—turning them into ‘undocumented’ people who can be deported. These aren’t just deportations; they’re kidnappings in many cases.”

She continued, “Immigration is what makes America great, and it’s part of our Constitution. It’s painful to see us eroding these rights, tearing apart the very fabric of what America stands for.”

Freedom of Speech and Advocacy

AOC also addressed the importance of freedom of speech, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Just as the town hall began, a lone protestor stood up and shouted at AOC before being escorted out.

Defending Civil Rights and Standing Up to Intimidation

AOC continued by discussing her office’s role in assisting students facing harassment and the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate the wall between ICE and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which has created dangerous conditions for many. She urged everyone to request a warrant if authorities knock on their door or show up at their workplace.

“To Tom Homan, who said he would weaponize the DOJ against me for exercising my freedom of speech, I say: Come for me!” AOC declared. “Don’t let them intimidate you into silence about your constitutional rights.”

When asked how she deals with the “craziness” of Trump’s policies, she responded that while they occasionally win in court, it's puzzling why a “reality show president” who supposedly cares about public opinion seems so indifferent to it.

Tariffs and Economic Consequences

On the subject of tariffs, AOC warned that Americans will feel the effects once stocks of products run out and prices rise due to increased costs from tariffs on imports. She also discussed the challenges of navigating an era dominated by disinformation and misinformation. “People might not always believe what I say, but they will trust their friends. Peer-to-peer information is essential in these times.”

She added, “Trump is so defensive about his tariff disaster that he can’t afford another blow by cutting Medicaid. We need to keep up the pressure.”

Empowering Constituents and Strategy Moving Forward

AOC emphasized that when everyday people know their rights, it reduces harmful activity because communities become more educated and harder to take advantage of. She also suggested that Democrats need to focus on legislation that can be passed once they regain a majority in the House next year.

Addressing Local Issues and Environmental Concerns

The town hall also featured discussions on issues directly affecting AOC's constituents, including water quality and the proposed casinos in Queens. AOC voiced her concerns about the larger issues at play—such as Trump’s alignment with the oil industry, his disregard for scientific data, and the defunding of critical agencies like NOAA. She warned that these policies put everyone at risk, from those with asthma to communities facing the threat of hurricanes.

“They’re so opposed to anything related to the environment that it will take one of the hardest fights to win,” she said. “The same goes for the FDA. Eliminating checks on our food supply is a serious threat, and we must protect these safeguards, even when they’re being compromised at the federal level.”

Human Rights and the Garcia Case

AOC also spoke about the troubling case of Garcia, where supposedly individuals could be sent to El Salvador without due process. She warned that this could affect not only undocumented immigrants but even U.S. citizens, as well as political dissidents.

“This could lead to people being sent to camps outside the U.S. jurisdiction,” she said. “We need to keep the spotlight on these cases and hold people accountable.”

She pointed to special elections in Florida as a sign of progress, noting that even though Republicans won, their margin of victory was much smaller than expected. “We need to show that these actions have political consequences,” she said. “When people act out of self-interest, we need to hold them accountable.”

Political Power and Electoral Consequences

AOC concluded by stressing that those who build power on cruelty care deeply about their political ambitions, and that these ambitions must be challenged electorally. “We need to make sure there are consequences for their actions, and we can do that through our votes,” she said.

The town hall was an inspiring call to action, underscoring the need for continued advocacy, education, and vigilance as the country fights for the democracy is has been known for.