Democratic Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal unleashed a blistering attack on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a Thursday news conference, branding them “fake law enforcement” and openly threatening arrests if they operate in her city.
Bilal’s remarks came just one day after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, an incident that has intensified hostility toward the agency among many on the political left. Rather than urging restraint, Bilal praised Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who vowed to prosecute ICE agents accused of crimes within his jurisdiction following the shooting.
During a roughly three-minute tirade, Bilal accused ICE of being illegitimate and politically motivated. “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,” she said. She went on to claim that “no law enforcement professional wears a mask,” insisting that agents who conceal their identities are acting criminally rather than professionally.
Bilal escalated her rhetoric by warning ICE agents that Philadelphia would not protect them from prosecution. “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,” she said. “And I’m saying now, we are not going to whisk you away for them to hide your identity… when you do it there, you’re getting arrested there. No whisk away. None of that here.”
She further accused ICE agents of violating both legal and moral standards, asserting that “law enforcement professionals do not shoot at moving vehicles.” Bilal claimed Good was not fleeing but “getting out of the way,” and argued that standing in front of a moving vehicle was itself illegal. She concluded by saying she stood “with all those who stand against” what she repeatedly described as “made up, fake, wannabe law enforcement.”
Video evidence released after the shooting paints a more complicated picture. Footage taken on a cell phone by the ICE agent involved shows Good backing up her vehicle and appearing to look directly at the agent before accelerating toward him. In the video, Good’s wife can be heard shouting, “Drive, baby drive!” as other ICE agents attempted to detain her.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the incident during an appearance on State of the Union, telling host Jake Tapper that she had reviewed video footage before holding a press conference on Wednesday. Noem said the agent acted in self-defense.
Despite that assessment, Bilal doubled down on her threats. “I’m with the DA, and we will work with him,” she said. “If any of them want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide. Nobody will whisk you off.” She added, “You don’t want this smoke, because we will bring it to you,” and accused the White House of shielding ICE agents from accountability.
The rhetoric comes as violence against ICE agents has surged nationwide. According to a Thursday release from the Department of Homeland Security, assaults against ICE officers have increased by 1,300% in 2025. Attacks involving motor vehicles are up 3,200%, and death threats against ICE agents have skyrocketed by 8,000%.
Critics say statements like Bilal’s only inflame tensions and place federal officers at greater risk, while supporters argue local officials have a duty to push back against federal enforcement. The clash underscores the deepening divide between sanctuary-minded local leaders and federal immigration authorities as enforcement operations continue and political rhetoric grows increasingly volatile.
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