Fri Jan 31 23:20:00 UTC 2025: **Philly DA Krasner Defies Trump Administration on Immigration Enforcement, Vows to Prosecute Illegal Actions**
Philadelphia – Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, expected to announce his reelection campaign soon, has declared his office will not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement actions that violate the law. He forcefully rejected the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, referring to it as “Nazi stuff” and vowing to prosecute ICE agents who overstep their legal authority or harm immigrants.
During a Friday press conference alongside city and state officials, Krasner reiterated his commitment to protecting Philadelphia’s immigrant community. He cited the Anti-Commandeering Doctrine, which prevents the federal government from forcing states to enforce federal laws, as the legal basis for his stance. While acknowledging ICE’s right to operate within the bounds of the law, Krasner stated that his office will not hesitate to prosecute agents for illegal actions. He warned any ICE agent or other individuals engaging in hate crimes or harming immigrants that they will face legal consequences if they act outside the law.
This defiant stance comes in response to a recent memo from the Acting Deputy Attorney General threatening consequences for non-cooperation with the administration’s immigration policies. The memo, citing the Constitution’s supremacy clause, asserted that local officials are legally obligated to cooperate. Krasner directly challenged this assertion, stating that Philadelphia will not participate in what he considers illegal and harmful actions.
Krasner’s announcement comes amidst heightened anxieties in Philadelphia’s immigrant communities following recent ICE raids, such as one earlier this week at a North Philadelphia car wash that resulted in seven arrests and subsequent protests. The DA’s firm stance, coupled with the announcement of a challenger, former Philadelphia Judge Patrick Dugan, sets the stage for a potentially contentious reelection campaign.
First Piper 