Philadelphia DA Krasner Faces Backlash After Warning to ICE and National Guard

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has drawn sharp criticism after issuing a stern warning to federal immigration officials and the National Guard on social media. The progressive prosecutor posted on X: “To ICE and the National Guard: if you commit crimes in Philadelphia, we will charge you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” accompanied by a black-and-white photo of himself wearing sunglasses with the caption “FAFO.”

The acronym “FAFO,” internet slang for “f— around and find out,” has recently gained popularity in conservative political circles, with Trump administration officials adopting the phrase as a warning to political opponents and foreign adversaries.

Krasner’s message prompted immediate backlash from conservatives, police organizations, and Department of Homeland Security social media accounts. The timing of his post coincided with heightened federal law enforcement operations in Minnesota, where a fraud investigation was underway and a woman was fatally shot during increased deployment.

Joe Gamaldi, National Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police, called Krasner “an embarrassment of a DA” who “regularly gives the velvet glove treatment to murderers, robbers, and rapists.” The National Police Association responded with: “Unlike criminals in Philadelphia who get their charges dropped by the DA.”

Even the Department of Homeland Security joined the criticism, responding with memes dismissing Krasner’s comments.

Since taking office in 2018, Krasner has been a lightning rod for conservative criticism due to his criminal justice reform policies, including reduced reliance on cash bail, changes in charging practices for low-level offenses, and his stance on police accountability. Republicans have repeatedly blamed his office’s policies for public safety concerns in Philadelphia, even launching an impeachment effort that ultimately failed in court.

The social media clash comes amid growing tensions between Democratic officials and federal immigration authorities following the January shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota. Good was fatally shot during an immigration enforcement operation, with DHS claiming she used her vehicle as a weapon against agents, describing her actions as “domestic terrorism.”

Progressive Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have characterized the incident as “murder,” while other Democratic officials have called for greater accountability for federal officers. Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal previously criticized ICE as “made-up, fake, wannabe law enforcement” that violated both “legal law” and “moral law” following the Minnesota shooting.

The broader context includes President Trump’s increased use of federal forces in American cities as part of his administration’s crackdown on crime and immigration. In Minnesota, Democratic Governor Tim Walz authorized the National Guard to support local law enforcement following the ICE-related shooting. Trump has attempted similar federal interventions in other cities, including federalizing Washington D.C.’s police force in August 2025.

Political observers note that Krasner’s attempt to adopt the confrontational social media style often employed by Trump and his allies appears to have backfired, with critics calling it “cringe” and “posturing.” Some questioned the constitutional basis of Krasner’s threat, citing the Supremacy Clause that establishes federal law’s precedence over local regulations when in direct conflict.

Krasner’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the widespread mockery his message received.