The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) by Jeff Gammage
Temple University and Philadelphia police are looking into a Saturday night incident in which two individuals impersonating ICE officers broke up a business on campus, the university said.
A third witness recorded the disturbance while the two were wearing shirts with the words “ICE” and “Police” in white letters. One Temple student has been placed on temporary suspension from the university after being taken into jail on Sunday night.
According to the school, a criminal inquiry has been started by the police.
The incident happened just before ten o’clock at night. According to the school, the three men entered a shop on Saturday in the 1300 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue. Temple claimed they caused disturbances in the business, but he did not elaborate on their alleged actions or words.
The school noted in a statement from Jodi Bailey Accavallo, vice president for student affairs, and Jennifer Griffin, vice president for public safety and chief of police, that it is illegal to impersonate law enforcement. Members of the Temple community will not be subjected to this conduct or harassment.
The incident happened just days after Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities raided a car in North Philadelphia and arrested seven men. Reports of ICE operations have increased in the area, causing alarm among migrant communities. Although there have been no reports of widespread enforcement, Philadelphia’s renowned Italian Market has been uneasy due to rumors of an upcoming ICE raid, which has caused merchants to close and booths to remain empty.
Despite speculations, Temple posted a statement last week stating that neither the municipal police nor the school had received any reports of ICE officers on campus.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner stated on Friday that the administration of President Donald Trump cannot compel local law enforcement and elected officials to follow the proposed immigration crackdown, which he called “Nazi stuff.”
At City Hill, Krasner, a Democrat, joined state politicians and members of the City Council in denouncing the president’s measures, which included lifting a ban on ICE agents entering hospitals, schools, churches, and other sensitive places.
On the social networking platform X, ICE acting field office director Brian McShane retorted that the courageous men and women of ICE prioritize public safety over politics and risk their lives every day. It is dishonorable and risky for those who are meant to be community leaders to try to demonize them.
He used the word “idol” for idle and claimed that ICE would continue its mission in spite of these people’s threats and harmful rhetoric.
According to Temple officials, the school was informed that the three had previously tried to enter Johnson & Hardwick Residence Hall while they were looking into the suspected impersonation. According to the school, they were not allowed in.
According to the school, Temple police swiftly arrived after using cameras to find the vehicle the three were driving on and near campus. One Temple student was recognized and arrested.
It was not immediately clear what the other two were doing, where they were, or whether they were associated with the Temple.
Temple has requested that anyone with information regarding the event get in touch with the school police by phone at 215-204-1234 or via email at [email protected]. Calling is also advised for anyone who observes suspicious activities on campus.
This story was written by Susan Snyder, a staff writer.