Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner vows to ‘hunt down’ ICE officers amid new ‘ICE Out’ legislation

Larry Krasner made the remarks as Councilmembers Brooks and Landau introduced bills sharply limiting how ICE could operate in Philadelphia
Larry Krasner vowed to 'hunt' federal immigration agents as city leaders moved to curb ICE operations (Getty Images)
Larry Krasner vowed to 'hunt' federal immigration agents as city leaders moved to curb ICE operations (Getty Images)


WASHINGTON, DC: Philadelphia Democrat District Attorney Larry Krasner, a George Soros-backed prosecutor, said he would "hunt down" federal immigration agents operating in the city. Krasner made the remarks as he joined other Democratic officials who have compared federal immigration agents to Nazis. 

This comes after Philadelphia City Council members Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau introduced a broad package of legislation aimed at significantly limiting how Immigration and Customs Enforcement can operate within city limits.

Larry Krasner speaks out against ICE agents

Philadelphia district attorney Larry Krasner (center) stands with is lawyers after a hearing over a lawsuit he filed against Elon Musk and his $1M giveaway petition contest on October 31, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Elon Musk did not show up for the hearing (Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
Philadelphia district attorney Larry Krasner (center) stands with is lawyers after a hearing over a lawsuit he filed against Elon Musk and his $1M giveaway petition contest on October 31, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

Speaking at a morning event outside City Hall tied to newly introduced “ICE OUT” legislation, Krasner delivered sharp criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. 

“This is a small bunch of wannabe Nazis. That’s what they are,” Krasner said. “In a country of 350 million, we outnumber them. If we have to hunt you down the way they hunted down Nazis for decades, we will find your identities. We will find you. We will achieve justice."

The legislation introduced by Philadelphia City Council members Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau would block ICE agents from using city-owned property, restrict cooperation between city agencies and federal immigration authorities, prohibit data sharing, and limit agents’ access to public facilities, including libraries, shelters, and health centers, without a judicial warrant. 

Krasner described his remarks as a defense of constitutional rights and accused federal authorities of overstepping their powers, while also praising people who record ICE agents during enforcement actions. 

His comments come just weeks after Pennsylvania lawmakers warned Krasner and Philadelphia County Sheriff Rochelle Bilal that any effort to prosecute or interfere with ICE officers carrying out federal duties could result in serious legal consequences and possible intervention from Harrisburg.

District Attorney of Philadelphia Larry Krasner is seen leaving Fox 29's
District Attorney of Philadelphia Larry Krasner is seen leaving Fox 29's 'Good Day' at FOX 29 Studios on August 24, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania(Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)

State Senator Jarrett Coleman declares local officials cannot interfere with ICE operations

Earlier this month, Krasner said he would charge, arrest and prosecute “any ICE agent [that] is going to come to Philly to commit crimes,” warning them to “get the ‘eff’ out of here.”

He also argued that President Donald Trump could not issue pardons in such cases because they would be handled at the state level.

Philadelphia County Sheriff Rochelle Bilal echoed Krasner’s stance after a Minnesota ICE operation ended in a fatal shooting, calling the officers “fake, wannabe law enforcement” and telling agents, “You don’t want this smoke, ’cause we will bring it to you.”

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 14: Federal agents guard a perimeter following a shooting incident as angry residents protest their presence in the city on January 14, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to reports, a federal agent shot a Venezuelan man who was resisting arrest. The Trump administration has sent a reported 2,000 federal plus federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. The Trump administration has sent a reported 2,000 federal plus federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Federal agents guard a perimeter following a shooting incident as angry residents protest their presence in the city on January 14, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota(Scott Olson/Getty Images)

State Senator Jarrett Coleman, R-Allentown, the top Republican on the Senate committee that oversees interactions between local, state and federal governments, dismissed those remarks as “empty threats,” saying local officials “cannot interfere” with federal immigration enforcement.

Coleman told Fox News Digital, “The district attorney and sheriff know they can’t interfere, and they won’t interfere with federal law enforcement.” He added, “If they do obstruct federal law enforcement efforts, the Pennsylvania Senate will be the least of their worries.”

Coleman also criticized Krasner’s record on crime in Philadelphia, saying that if the district attorney focused more on prosecuting violent offenders, “Philadelphia wouldn’t be such a s—hole.” The “ICE OUT” legislative package is expected to be formally introduced before the full Philadelphia City Council later this week and will need approval before heading to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s desk.

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