Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner positions himself as a progressive reformer, yet his policies, especially those regarding illegal immigrants in criminal proceedings, could endanger public safety and challenge the rule of law.
The Institute for Immigration Reform Law has raised concerns with Attorney General Pam Bondy and the Department of Justice about Krasner’s risky practices. Krasner’s pursuit of “immigration neutrality” jeopardizes legal proceedings and consequently affects residents in Philadelphia.
By shielding illegal immigrants from the repercussions of serious crimes, as critics argue, Krasner’s policies may worsen an already perilous environment.
This approach mirrors a larger trend funded by billionaire George Soros, who has invested millions in electing progressive prosecutors nationwide. In 2017, Soros contributed approximately $1.7 million to support Krasner’s victory in the Democratic primary through the Philadelphia Justice and Public Safety PAC.
Soros’s objective seems to be to install district attorneys who prioritize ideological goals over public safety. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco have similarly embraced this trend under Soros-backed prosecutors.
These prosecutors often downplay charges, offer lighter sentences to safeguard non-citizens from deportation, thus creating a bifurcated judicial system that favors illegal immigration over the rights of American citizens.
Krasner’s initiatives involve the Immigration Advisors Office, established in 2018 and financed by taxpayer money, with Stephanie Costa in charge. Her responsibility is to guide prosecutors in minimizing “immigration outcomes” for non-citizen defendants, even in severe cases.
Documents secured by the institute reveal that former immigration advisor Caleb Arnold consulted on cases tied to immigrants charged with serious offenses like rape and robbery.
Krasner once claimed the office should solely assist “low-level criminals who do not pose a threat to public safety,” yet evidence suggests otherwise. Arnold frequently intervened in plea deals, evading convictions that would lead to deportation. Such actions contravene federal immigration laws, allowing dangerous individuals to remain in the community and likely commit more crimes.
Krasner’s lenient approach has tangible risks. By lessening charges to protect illegal immigrants from deportation, the justice system often fails to hold offenders fully accountable. Non-citizens faced with rape charges can see severe accusations minimized and remain in Philadelphia.
These policies seem to prioritize the needs of criminal defendants over public safety, particularly in cities already grappling with violent crime. For instance, from 2019 to 2021, robbery and aggravated assaults on Philadelphia’s SEPTA transit system increased by over 80%. Many attribute this rise to Krasner’s lenient crime policies.
The implications of Krasner’s approach raise ethical questions, too. A recent Justice Department investigation in Hennepin County, Minnesota, highlights a broader crackdown on unfair enforcement practices regarding race in prosecutorial decisions. Krasner should be subjected to similar scrutiny.
By treating non-citizens differently, Krasner appears to undermine American citizens’ rights. His strategy leads to a two-tier justice system based on the defendant’s nationality rather than the crime committed, straying from the fundamental principle of blind justice.
Supporters of Krasner may argue that his policies protect vulnerable groups, but permitting violent offenders to evade deportation weakens community trust in law enforcement and the judicial system. Victims deserve a justice system that prioritizes accountability rather than ideology, regardless of immigration status.
Krasner’s policies, bolstered by Soros’s funding and enacted through a taxpayer-supported immigration advisory office, signify a troubling shift from the core responsibilities of a prosecutor. It’s crucial for federal authorities to step in and ensure equal justice, affirming that no one—citizen or otherwise—is exempt from the law.
