On Saturday, Larry Krasner, the Democratic district attorney of Philadelphia, shared a striking black-and-white photo on social media. The image depicted a serious-looking Krasner, dressed in a dark suit, with one hand positioned over his sunglasses. Accompanying the photo was the bold statement, “FAFO,” which stands for “f*** around and find out.” He directed this message towards the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the National Guard, asserting, “If you commit crimes in Philadelphia, we will charge you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
This social media post follows recent tensions surrounding federal law enforcement, particularly in light of a shooting incident in Minneapolis. Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis, echoed this sentiment, telling ICE to “Get the f*** out of Minneapolis.” In Philadelphia, Krasner’s colleague, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, also issued a warning to ICE agents, using street language to assert, “If any of them want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide… You don’t want this smoke, ’cause we will bring it to you.”
The rhetoric against ICE is not limited to government officials. Social media platforms have become hotbeds for anti-ICE sentiments. A recent search revealed that between 100 to 200 accounts on the platform X (formerly Twitter) incorporate “F*** ICE” in their usernames or bios. Reports indicate that this phrase appears “thousands of times” on the site, showcasing the widespread backlash against federal immigration policies.
While such expressions may be expected on social media, the increasingly aggressive tone from public officials is concerning. This belligerence has trickled down to protests, where hostility towards law enforcement can lead to serious repercussions.
In a notable incident, Fox News correspondent Matt Finn filmed a confrontation in Minneapolis where ICE agents warned civilians against obstructing their operations. An ICE agent advised a woman who had been tracking their vehicles, “If I continually see you following us, interfering with us… you have a very high probability of making a really bad decision and being arrested today, OK?” The woman responded defiantly, “I think I’m making exactly the right decision. Bad decision — that’s funny, coming from you.”
Videos of individuals blocking ICE operations have gone viral, though most encounters have concluded without significant incidents. Still, the movement against ICE has fostered a group of activists who may underestimate the consequences of their actions.
Tragically, a recent incident involving Rebecca Good, the widow of a woman killed in a confrontation with ICE, exemplifies the potential dangers of aggressive resistance. In a video recorded by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, Rebecca Good asserted her status as a U.S. citizen and veteran in a confrontational manner. When instructed by law enforcement to exit the vehicle, Renee Good accelerated instead, leading to a disastrous outcome.
The current wave of tough-guy progressivism, as seen with Krasner and street protests in Minneapolis, points to an increasing readiness to confront federal law enforcement. While the excitement surrounding this resistance can galvanize supporters, the potential for negative outcomes remains high. The Minneapolis incident serves as a stark reminder that such confrontations can escalate quickly, and may not be the last of their kind.
