ICE OUT: Philly Residents and Black Lions Take to The Streets

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When asked how they feel about the protests in Philadelphia, Ryan Harris, a student at Rutgers Camden, says, “I think that it’s disgusting that ICE is in Philly. I think that it’s clearly targeting places where the election was more in favor of Kamala Harris instead of Donald Trump, and I think that that’s the administration’s goal is to scare the people that voted more democratically.”

In recent months, shootings involving federal immigration officers have drawn national attention leading to a rise in protests. After two shootings were documented on video in the state of Minnesota, reports circulated suggesting that Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, could be a future location for federal immigration activity.

In light of this, Philadelphia’s Sheriff Rochelle Bilal sent a warning to ICE agents in a press release saying, “If any of them want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide.”

Along with the sheriff’s warning, Philadelphia residents and the Black Lion Party for International Solidarity (BLP) have publicly stated their opposition to ICE operations in the city. In recent weeks, residents and the BLP have organized rallies, strikes, and protests aimed at community mobilization and mutual support.

In the first week of January, Philadelphia residents held vigils for Renee Good, a Minneapolis resident who was fatally shot by a federal immigration officer, according to video footage. In the weeks that followed, they continued to organize in support of Minnesota residents and to call for ICE to refrain from operating in Philadelphia.

On Monday, January 26, to protest ICE activity and policies. Right around this same time, Chairman Paul Birdsong officially announced the name of the organization, the Black Lion Party for International Solidarity (formerly the Black Panther Party for Self Defense) and the group began additional community outreach efforts during this period.

Via a collaborative social media post on Instagram, @chairmanpaulbirdsong, @yoskiip, and @revolutionary_by_nature shared information directing individuals in need of food, groceries, or baby formula to 2123 Gratz St, Philadelphia, PA 19121.

In most of Chairman Paul’s other social media posts, he starts his videos by saying, “All power to the people.” This phrase has appeared frequently in messaging connected to recent protests and community events.

When asked if they believe that the protests will be beneficial, Harris says, “I think that the protests, while they’re in good faith, I don’t know if they’re going to do anything, because what we need to be doing is calling our legislators. Otherwise, change will not happen. They will not listen to you unless you harass them, which is unfortunate, but the way that it is right now.”