Philadelphia’s district attorney ignited a political firestorm after declaring that he would “hunt” federal immigration officers. The remarks came during a rally outside City Hall supporting new legislation aimed at restricting ICE activity within the city.
During the event, District Attorney Larry Krasner sharply condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while backing a package of bills intended to curb the agency’s authority. His language immediately drew national attention.
“This is a small bunch of wannabe Nazis. That’s what they are,” Krasner said. “In a country of 350 million, we outnumber them. If we have to hunt you down the way they hunted down Nazis for decades, we will find your identities. We will find you. We will achieve justice.”
New Legislation Seeks To Restrict ICE Operations
The “ICE OUT” legislative package introduced by City Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau would block ICE agents from using city-owned property, reduce cooperation between municipal departments and federal authorities, limit data sharing, and prevent access to public buildings without a judicial warrant. Facilities such as shelters, libraries, and health centers would face strict entry rules.
Supporters argued the bills protect civil rights and local autonomy. Critics countered that the plan encourages public hostility toward federal officers and creates hazardous conditions for enforcement operations.
Tensions Rise Between State And City Leaders
Krasner’s comments arrived shortly after Pennsylvania lawmakers warned both him and Philadelphia County Sheriff Rochelle Bilal that interfering with federal officers could carry serious legal repercussions. State officials reminded them that local prosecutors cannot obstruct federal law enforcement.
Earlier this month, Krasner had already issued a stark warning of his own. He said “any ICE agent [that] is going to come to Philly to commit crimes” should “get the ‘eff’ out of here,” insisting he would arrest and prosecute such agents and stating that presidential pardons would not shield them from state cases.
Sheriff Bilal previously added her criticism of ICE after a woman was fatally shot during a federal immigration operation in Minnesota. She labeled ICE officers “fake, wannabe law enforcement” and said, “You don’t want this smoke, ’cause we will bring it to you.”
Federal And State Leaders Push Back
State Sen. Jarrett Coleman dismissed the threats as political stunts designed to energize supporters. He emphasized that Krasner and Bilal lack the authority to interfere with federal immigration operations.
“The district attorney and sheriff know they can’t interfere, and they won’t interfere with federal law enforcement,” Coleman said. “If they do obstruct federal law enforcement efforts, the Pennsylvania Senate will be the least of their worries.”
The White House also condemned escalating rhetoric directed at immigration officers.
“ICE officers are facing a 1,300 percent increase in assaults because of dangerous, untrue smears by elected Democrats,” spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said.
“Just the other day, an officer had his finger bitten off by a radical left-wing rioter.”
She added that ICE personnel “act heroically to enforce the law and protect American communities,” saying local officials should work with agents rather than target them. “Anyone pointing the finger at law enforcement officers instead of the criminals is simply doing the bidding of criminal illegal aliens,” she said.
Critics Highlight Philadelphia Crime Concerns
Coleman also condemned Krasner’s broader record, arguing the district attorney’s office has contributed to rising violence in Philadelphia. According to Coleman, if prosecutors focused more on violent offenders, “Philadelphia wouldn’t be such a s—hole.”
House Minority Leader Jesse Topper offered similar criticism, calling the attacks on ICE “not just hypocritical [but] outright laughable.”
“Instead of focusing on scoring political points and further dividing our nation, those seeking to obstruct federal law enforcement should instead focus their time and resources on keeping their communities secure,” Topper said.
Local Officials Defend Their Authority
Sheriff Bilal’s office responded to the warnings by stressing that local authorities maintain jurisdiction over state-level violations.
“Any individual can be arrested for violating state law in the City of Philadelphia,” her office said. The statement continued by noting that “Senator Mastriano and Senator Coleman do not decide who gets arrested in Philadelphia,” and referred further questions to Krasner’s office.
The “ICE OUT” package will move before the full City Council this week. If approved, it would be sent to the mayor for final consideration.
