Sheriff Calls ICE 'Fake,' Media Discovers Agency Exists
Newsweek reports Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal's blunt assessment of ICE as a 'fake, made up law enforcement' agency. The article highlights her commitment to not cooperate with what she deems an illegitimate entity, which is certainly a bold stance for an elected official. However, what the mainstream takes for granted—ICE's inherent legitimacy—is precisely what bears scrutiny. ICE, unlike
the FBI or DEA, wasn't created by an act of Congress. It was conjured into existence by executive order in 2003, post-9/11, under the newly formed Department of Homeland Security. So, while Sheriff Bilal's rhetoric might sound inflammatory, one could argue she’s merely echoing a structural truth: ICE operates without the typical legislative foundation of other federal law enforcement bodies. It's
a symptom of America's post-9/11 security-state expansion, often sidestepping traditional checks and balances. The narrative here isn't just about a sheriff's opinion, but a deeper critique of an agency that exists by administrative fiat, notorious for its human rights record and controversial tactics. Why does Newsweek frame this as just a 'call,' rather than exploring the very 'made up' nature
underpinning its creation?