(Photo: NBC10)
Philadelphia, PA — January 29, 2026 — Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has drawn national attention this week for his outspoken commitment to ensuring that federal immigration enforcement — particularly actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — is held to the rule of law and subject to accountability when it oversteps constitutional bounds. His comments came as Philadelphia leaders unveiled a package of local measures designed to protect residents and strengthen public oversight of federal agents operating in the city. (nbcphiladelphia.com)
A Call for Accountability and the Rule of Law
At a press conference on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, outside Philadelphia City Hall, Krasner reiterated his long‑standing position that no law enforcement official — regardless of jurisdiction — should operate above constitutional protections. He emphasized that if federal agents violate state laws or residents’ rights, local prosecutors should and will seek accountability through lawful means. (nbcphiladelphia.com)
During the event, Krasner stated that his office would work with a new coalition of progressive prosecutors from around the country to ensure that federal agents who break state laws are held accountable. That coalition, known as the Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach (F.A.F.O.), includes elected prosecutors from cities such as Minneapolis, Austin, Dallas, Tucson, and Fairfax, and is intended to provide a legal framework for shared resources and strategies when federal enforcement actions cross legal lines. (phillyda.org)
Krasner framed the initiative as part of his broader mission to defend constitutional guarantees — especially for immigrant and other vulnerable communities — and ensure that federal enforcement operates transparently and within the law rather than through intimidation or secrecy. (nbcphiladelphia.com)
Supporting Community Protection with Local Legislation
The DA spoke as City Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau introduced a legislative package dubbed “ICE OUT” aimed at limiting how ICE can operate within Philadelphia’s borders. The seven‑bill package, introduced on Thursday, January 29, 2026, has attracted support from 15 of the 17 City Council members — a potential veto‑proof majority — and reflects nationwide concerns about federal enforcement tactics. (inquirer.com)
Key provisions in the ICE OUT package include:
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Requiring federal agents to clearly identify themselves and prohibiting masks or unmarked vehicles in public operations, strengthening transparency and community trust. (inquirer.com)
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Banning the use of city‑owned property as staging areas for federal enforcement actions. (inquirer.com)
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Restricting city agencies from sharing data with ICE or participating in 287(g) agreements that deputize local law enforcement for immigration duties. (inquirer.com)
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Expanding anti‑discrimination protections so individuals cannot be denied city services or employment based on immigration status. (inquirer.com)
Supporters, including local educators and immigrant rights organizations such as the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, have urged the swift passage of the legislation, arguing that it will help protect students, families, and communities from fear‑inducing enforcement tactics and ensure every resident can access public services without intimidation. (pft.org)
Balancing Enforcement with Safety and Rights
Krasner and backers of the ICE OUT bills argue that accountability and oversight do not equate to lawlessness. Rather, they view these measures as reinforcing constitutional protections, ensuring that enforcement actions — even by federal agencies — respect state laws and community safety. By working collaboratively with other local prosecutors through the F.A.F.O. coalition, Krasner aims to set a precedent that no law enforcement official is beyond scrutiny. (phillyda.org)
While some critics — including national politicians — have questioned Krasner’s rhetoric and drawn attention to his choice of words, many Philadelphia residents and advocates see the focus on accountability as critical in an era of contentious federal enforcement priorities. (yournews.com)
As the ICE OUT bills move through City Council and the coalition for prosecutorial oversight gains traction nationwide, Philadelphia finds itself at the forefront of a broader debate: how to balance community safety with robust protections for civil liberties and constitutional rights.