Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal has sparked a sharp confrontation with federal immigration authorities after publicly warning that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would be held accountable under city law if they commit crimes in Philadelphia.
Speaking at a press conference Thursday alongside District Attorney Larry Krasner, Bilal criticized ICE agents as “fake, made-up, wannabe law enforcement” and condemned the use of masks during operations, arguing they obscure accountability. She said federal status would not shield any agent from arrest if crimes are committed in the city, declaring, “You don’t want this smoke.”
Krasner backed the sheriff’s stance, saying law enforcement officers — including federal agents — are subject to prosecution if they violate local or state law in Philadelphia. The remarks were framed as a defense of public safety and the city’s longstanding sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement…