Overview
- At a new Philadelphia news conference, District Attorney Larry Krasner said ICE agents who commit crimes in the city will be arrested, jailed, and prosecuted, adding that the president cannot pardon local convictions.
- Sheriff Rochelle Bilal reaffirmed her earlier stance, saying the “smoke” she promised refers to arrests and prosecution when agents are charged with crimes in Philadelphia.
- Snopes verified Bilal’s Jan. 8 remarks calling ICE “made-up, fake, wannabe law enforcement” and warning “you don’t want this smoke,” using primary-source video posted by the Sheriff’s Office.
- Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel publicly distanced the department from Bilal’s rhetoric, stating the city is policed by the Philadelphia Police Department and that it will continue to work with law enforcement partners.
- The Washington Examiner reported that Bilal used a racial slur in a separate social media video targeting Rep. Wesley Hunt, a claim presented with the outlet’s own sourcing.