An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) van caught fire in South Philadelphia, the agency confirmed in a statement to The Post Millennial. The vehicle, which was reportedly being used for deportation operations at the time, was completely engulfed in flames before being extinguished by the Philadelphia Fire Department. No injuries were reported.
According to ICE, the fire was due to mechanical issues, and no foul play is suspected at this time. “A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle experienced mechanical issues and caught on fire in South Philadelphia, today. The Philadelphia Fire Department extinguished the flames after arriving on scene. There were no injuries due to the fast response from the fire department and the vehicle’s occupants. The cause of the fire is unknown, but no foul play is suspected at this time,” the agency said.
The incident comes just weeks after a high-profile ICE worksite enforcement operation in Philadelphia on Jan. 28. ICE officers targeted Complete Autowash, a business accused of labor exploitation, and arrested seven illegal aliens—six from Mexico and one from the Dominican Republic. All seven individuals were detained pending deportation.
Brian McShane, acting field office director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Philadelphia, praised the operation’s success. “The successful execution of this worksite enforcement operation underscores our determined commitment to national security and public safety,” McShane said. “We were able to apprehend individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States.”
ICE has not yet commented on whether the van fire is linked to the recent enforcement actions. Officials urge the public to report any relevant information or suspicious activity by contacting the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting a report online.
