Rochelle Bilal, sheriff of Philadelphia, has drawn national headlines with her incendiary remarks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She expected these remarks going through a press conference on January 14th. In 2019, Bilal was elected as Philadelphia’s first Black female sheriff. She brings 27 years of experience in the Philadelphia Police Department and a long history of defending civil rights and liberties to her new role. Her remarks, which diverged from the current administration’s more cautious approach to immigration issues, reflect a growing movement among elected officials voicing opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Bilal’s path to her present role started in North Philadelphia. This neighborhood, with a 40% poverty rate, is mostly populated by Black residents. As a child, she saw law enforcement abuse her family, moving her deeply toward justice and equity. This background has motivated her to take action against what she views as wrongdoings in police enforcement tactics.
We are sick and tired of the lies that ICE tells, we stand here today united with all who are against these phony fabricated actions of ICE,” Bilal said at the press conference. She highlighted her fiery opposition to the agency’s behavior. She hates ICE. She has long argued that ICE should not even exist as a legitimate law enforcement agency. She said, “I don’t refer—I don’t call them none of that. I call them created, illegal, fake, wannabe law. Her remarks have struck a chord with thousands of others who want to see a return to aggressive immigration enforcement.
Bilal’s remarks have caused an equal amount of uproar and outrage. She has been victimized by critics for her race and gender. After a video of her remarks went viral in the wake of the violence, she immediately began receiving death threats and was forced to take heightened security precautions. Yet, Bilal remains undeterred, emphasizing her mission: “I’m about fairness.” She wouldn’t put it this way, but in everything she does she manifests fierce dedication to the fight against inequality. She spent over 14 years as secretary of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP and as president of the Guardian Civic League.
Bilal made the case that ICE isn’t doing a good job even at what it’s trying to do. He said, “They don’t even try to take people out of a courtroom or in a courthouse.” Her critique is stunning, but it shows a growing alarm among other officials. All of them have recently raised concerns about ICE’s tactics and how they threaten the safety of our communities.
The Philadelphia sheriff’s comments are prescient, as local jurisdictions are increasingly standing up to the feds and rejecting their immigration policies. Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration is understandably skittish about drawing the ire of an antagonistic Trump administration, and so they’re pursuing a go-slow approach. In opposition, Bilal’s irreverent, provocative firebrand spirit defiantly departs from this approach. She is now one of a growing number of elected officials pushing for reform—and accountability—within ICE.
Bilal’s appointment as sheriff represents a promising shift in law enforcement’s existential composition. Her election symbolizes progress for many in Philadelphia who seek leadership that understands their struggles and aims to address systemic issues. Even in the wake of threats to her personal safety, Bilal remains fiercely devoted to her community. Her resolve to meet these challenges continues to be an inspiration. “I’m just a girl from Philly just trying to keep everybody safe,” she stated adamantly.