PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Ahead of this weekend’s planned ‘No Kings Day’ protest, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner held a press conference lashing out at President Donald Trump, and spoke about what protections protestors can expect, as ICE agents could descend on the city.
Across the country, thousands are expected to march Saturday against President Trump’s administration and ICE raids being conducted throughout the country.
“He is a racist, he is a criminal, and he very, very, very much like Adolf Hitler doesn’t believe in equality,” said Krasner.
Caleb Arnold, the District Attorney’s immigration counsel, said there are no protections from ICE for immigrants who decide to go out and demonstrate.
“Protest is no longer protected from ICE enforcement, so they reserve their right to commit ICE enforcement during protest activity,” said Arnold.
Officials also noted that it’s a change from under the Biden Administration, where peaceful protestors were protected from ICE enforcement. At a protest earlier this week, 15 people were arrested and given citations for disorderly conduct.
Krasner is calling for peaceful protests this weekend.
“The message for anyone who is coming here to break the law, whether that is an ICE agent who figures they can go beyond what the law permits, or that is an opportunist individual who would try to tuck in behind free speech, protest that is lawful and appropriate — you are going to have consequences,” he said.
The message of peaceful demonstrations was also echoed by Philadelphia Police.
“Our priority is to facilitate peaceful protest, prevent violence or disorder, and protect the rights of all residents, businesses, and participants,” police said in a statement to KYW Newsradio.
They also said additional patrols will be deployed throughout the city over the weekend.