Tensions between local authorities and federal immigration officials reached a boiling point Thursday as Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal delivered a blistering condemnation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), labeling its officers “fake law enforcement” and threatening them with immediate arrest if they violate laws within her jurisdiction.
The Sheriff’s remarks came during a heated news conference addressing the fallout from a fatal officer-involved shooting in Minneapolis earlier this week. Bilal threw her full support behind Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who recently pledged to prosecute federal agents who commit crimes in the city.
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“Let note that law enforcement professionals, real ones, not the fake made-up ICE, probably Trump’s new army to attack citizens of the United States,” Bilal stated. “Did you hear what I said? No law enforcement professional wears a mask. None! Those that come into our communities wearing a mask to commit crime, I thank God for our District Attorney, Larry Krasner, who said he’s going to lock them up.”
Bilal’s comments were sparked by the death of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday during an enforcement operation. The incident has intensified friction between the federal agency and Democratic officials nationwide.
While Bilal characterized the federal agents as “wannabe law enforcement” operating against “moral law,” she issued a direct warning regarding their operations in Philadelphia.
“I’m with the DA, and we will work with him. If any of them want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide,” Bilal warned. “You don’t want this smoke, because we will bring it to you. And the fake, whatever they call them… the criminal in the White House would not be able to keep you from going to jail.”
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The Minneapolis shooting remains under intense scrutiny. Cell phone video recorded by the agent involved reportedly shows Good looking at the agent before accelerating her vehicle toward him, following a command from her wife to “Drive, baby drive!” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing the footage, declared the agent acted in self-defense.
Bilal disputed the tactics used in the encounter, asserting that “real” police do not shoot at moving vehicles or place themselves in the path of cars to invoke action.
The confrontation in Philadelphia occurs against a backdrop of rising violence directed at federal immigration officers. According to a release issued Thursday by the Department of Homeland Security, 2025 has seen a massive surge in threats against agents. The agency reported that assaults on ICE agents have risen by 1,300%, instances of attacks involving motor vehicles have jumped 3,200%, and death threats against personnel have spiked by 8,000%.
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