Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a known progressive crusader, held a press conference this week where he promised to take legal action against federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in his city. He warned that if ICE agents break the law while carrying out their duties, they won’t get a pass—they’ll be arrested, prosecuted, and, as he put it, convicted under Pennsylvania law.
Krasner emphasized that state convictions can’t be overturned by a presidential pardon, making clear that his actions would be a direct challenge to federal authority. This message was aimed squarely at ICE agents and, by extension, the Trump administration’s tougher stance on immigration enforcement.
In his speech, Krasner called ICE’s actions “symbols of unchecked power” and warned officers that if they come to Philadelphia and violate the law, they should “get out of here.” He accused them of threatening communities and made it clear that his office would take every measure to prosecute them if they step out of bounds.
Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Krasner was the Philadelphia Sheriff, who echoed the warning—stating that ICE agents would be held accountable if they break the law. The sheriff added that no law enforcement officer is above the law, regardless of their badge or their federal status.
The rhetoric coming out of Philadelphia signals a growing hostility between local officials in sanctuary cities and federal immigration authorities. But critics argue that Krasner’s grandstanding does more to embolden lawlessness than it does to uphold justice. At a time when cities across the country are battling rising crime, Krasner’s priorities appear dangerously out of sync with the needs of law-abiding citizens.
While his supporters frame this as a fight for justice, many Americans see it for what it is: a politically motivated assault on the rule of law that puts ideology ahead of public safety.
