Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal unleashed a fiery attack on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday, labeling the federal agency “made-up, fake, wannabe law enforcement” and accusing its officers of violating both “legal law” and “moral law.”
Bilal stood shoulder to shoulder with progressive Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who issued his own threat, warning that any law enforcement official committing crimes in the city would be arrested and charged. “So I’m with the DA,” Bilal said. “You don’t want this smoke. Cuz we will bring it to you.” She then took a direct shot at President Donald Trump, warning that “the criminal in the White House would not be able to keep” ICE agents out of jail.
The inflammatory remarks followed an incident in Minneapolis in which an ICE agent fatally shot a female driver during a federal operation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated the driver had “weaponized her vehicle” and attempted to run over law enforcement officers. DHS called the action a clear case of self-defense and labeled the act an attempt at domestic terrorism.
Bilal’s criticism adds to her already controversial reputation. She has previously faced backlash for misusing departmental funds, including spending on vanity projects like trading cards bearing her image. Additional accusations include the use of artificial intelligence to generate favorable media coverage.
Despite her history, Bilal has positioned herself as a vocal opponent of federal immigration enforcement. Her remarks mirror those of other left-wing city officials who have turned their jurisdictions into sanctuaries and vowed to block federal immigration efforts, often at the expense of public safety.
The tension between federal and local officials continues to escalate, with ICE’s Minneapolis operation sparking protests and threats against law enforcement. While DHS has made clear its agents acted in defense of life, progressive voices like Bilal and Krasner remain hostile to federal involvement, regardless of the facts.
