Philadelphia DA's 'Hunt Down' Threat Against ICE Agents Sparks Bipartisan Outcry, Calls for DOJ Probe

PHILADELPHIA — A firestorm of bipartisan criticism has engulfed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner following his inflammatory speech last week, in which he threatened to "hunt down" federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and likened them to Nazis. The remarks have prompted calls for a U.S. Department of Justice criminal investigation and exposed deep fissures in the national debate over immigration enforcement.

Speaking at a rally in Penn Square, the progressive prosecutor, first elected in 2017 with significant backing from liberal donors, escalated his long-running feud with federal authorities. "They are a small bunch of wannabe Nazis," Krasner declared of ICE agents. "And if we have to hunt you down the way they hunted down Nazis for decades, we will find your identities."

The analogy and explicit threat have drawn sharp rebukes. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, swiftly called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to launch a probe, citing federal statute that makes threatening a federal officer a felony punishable by up to ten years imprisonment. "The DOJ should absolutely arrest and convict this guy," Steube told Fox News Digital.

Criticism was not confined to the GOP. Pennsylvania's Democratic Governor, Josh Shapiro, distanced himself from the city prosecutor, calling Krasner's comments "unacceptable… abhorrent and it is wrong." The condemnation underscores the political volatility of the issue, even within the Democratic Party.

Krasner's office has been a focal point of controversy since he took office, implementing policies that de-prioritize prosecution for certain low-level offenses while clashing with federal law enforcement over immigration. His latest comments reference his prior vow to arrest federal agents who "come to Philly to commit crimes," a stance born from localized disputes over enforcement tactics.

The Department of Homeland Security also pushed back forcefully. Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, labeled the rhetoric "vile" and accused Krasner of "intentionally stoking the flames of hatred and division." She pointed to a dramatic increase in assaults against ICE personnel, arguing such language endangers officers who are "simply enforcing the law."

Legal experts and state officials questioned the practicality of Krasner's threats. State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Gettysburg) invoked the Constitution's supremacy clause, suggesting any local action against federal agents executing lawful orders would be moot. Meanwhile, Krasner's critics in Pennsylvania, like Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), continue to blast his record on prosecuting violent crime, dubbing him "Let ‘Em Go Larry."

The episode highlights the ongoing national tension between progressive local prosecutors and federal immigration authorities—a conflict that has intensified since the Trump administration and continues to simmer. As calls for accountability grow louder, the spotlight remains on whether the Justice Department will intervene in what critics allege is a clear case of incitement against federal officers.

Voices from the Community

Marcus Chen, a constitutional law professor at the University of Pennsylvania: "While DA Krasner has broad discretion, publicly threatening federal officers with criminal investigation for performing their duties crosses a line from policy disagreement into potential obstruction. The supremacy clause isn't a suggestion; it's the bedrock of our system."

Elena Rodriguez, immigrant rights advocate with "Philadelphia Sanctuary Collective": "Krasner's language is forceful, but it reflects the real fear in our communities. ICE's operations have been brutal and disruptive. He's standing up for Philadelphia's values against an agency with a documented history of abuse. The focus should be on ICE's actions, not the DA's metaphors."

David P. Miller, retired ICE field office director (2010-2018): "This is utterly reckless and dangerous. My former colleagues are not Nazis; they are public servants doing a difficult job. This kind of rhetoric from a top law enforcement official is an open invitation for violence. The DOJ must act to deter other prosecutors from following this disgraceful playbook."

Sarah Johnson, a nurse and Kensington resident: "Are you kidding me? He's comparing ICE to Nazis while murderers and drug dealers walk free in my neighborhood every day. His office barely prosecutes real criminals, but he has all this time and venom for federal agents? It's a disgrace. He's the one who should be investigated."