AT A GLANCE
- Members identifying as the Philadelphia chapter of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense appeared at an anti-ICE protest at City Hall.
- The group says it is providing community protection amid heightened tensions following the killing of an unarmed U.S. citizen by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
- Chapter chairman Paul Birdsong says the group is focused on protecting vulnerable communities and holding federal officials accountable.
Black Panther Party Philadelphia Chapter Shows Up as ICE Tensions Escalate
As tensions between the public and federal immigration authorities continue to rise, members of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense made a visible and controversial appearance in Philadelphia, positioning themselves as protectors at a recent anti-ICE demonstration.
The group surfaced outside Philadelphia City Hall, where protesters gathered amid national outrage following the fatal shooting of an unarmed U.S. citizen by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis. Dressed in black bomber jackets with the party’s panther logo, berets, and openly carrying firearms they are legally permitted to possess, members said their presence was meant to deter violence and protect demonstrators.
Footage circulating online shows the group standing in formation while explaining their role to onlookers. Paul Birdsong, who identified himself as chairman of the Philadelphia chapter, said the outcome in Minneapolis could have been different if similar community protection had been in place…