Philadelphia’s top legal officials issued stern warnings Thursday to federal law enforcement operating in the city, including ICE, National Guard and military personnel, emphasizing that any illegal actions would result in prosecution under state law.
The statements drew nationwide attention for their forceful tone.
District Attorney Larry Krasner referenced a recent Minneapolis incident in which Renee Nicole Good was shot after reportedly driving toward an ICE officer, using the case to underline the principle that federal agents must follow Pennsylvania law.
“If any law enforcement agent—any ICE agent—is going to come to Philly to commit crimes, then you can get the F out of here,” Krasner said, according to The Washington Examiner. “Because if you do that here, I will charge you with those crimes, you will be arrested, you will stand trial, you will be convicted—whether it’s in state or federal court, it’s my office prosecuting it, that’s how the law works—and you will do your time.”
“Because Donald Trump cannot pardon you for a state court conviction.”
Krasner expanded his warning beyond ICE, addressing National Guard and military personnel.
“Do you hear me, ICE agents? Do you hear me, National Guard? Do you hear me, military? You’re going to jail if you commit crimes in the city of Philadelphia!” he added, emphasizing accountability for illegal conduct.
He clarified that his statements targeted only those who would act outside the law.
“There are honest, decent, moral law enforcement officers by the bushel. This is not for you,” Krasner said. “This is for any one of your colleagues who thinks they are above the law.”
Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal also addressed federal agencies directly, criticizing ICE as what she called “fake made-up ICE,” adding that the agency was “probably Trump’s new army to attack citizens of the United States.”
Bilal discussed the Minneapolis shooting and proper procedural conduct.
“Law enforcement professionals do not shoot at moving vehicles. I’m not saying fleeing because she was getting out of the way,” she said, adding, “Law enforcement professionals do not stand in front of moving vehicles evoking an action that is illegal. No, we don’t.”
She further addressed concerns about federal agents wearing masks during operations, signaling that anonymity would not protect those committing crimes.
“You don’t want this smoke because we will bring it to you,” Bilal warned. “The criminals in the White House will not be able to keep you from going to jail.”
The press conference prompted questions from Philadelphia residents regarding why city officials commented on an incident that occurred over 1,100 miles away.
Krasner and Bilal emphasized that the purpose was not to comment on the Minneapolis case specifically but to affirm that illegal conduct by law enforcement in Philadelphia would not be tolerated.
Krasner’s remarks reflect his longstanding criticism of Trump-era immigration enforcement policies and the deployment of federal agents in U.S. cities.
Neither he nor Bilal suggested any ongoing investigations into specific federal personnel, but both made clear that state law would guide any prosecution of criminal actions by law enforcement officers.
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