The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 22, 2025
Today: March 22, 2025

FACT FOCUS: No foul play suspected in ICE van fire in Philadelphia

US-Immigration-Q&A
February 18, 2025

Footage of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement van on fire in Philadelphia on Tuesday morning led many on social media to blame the blaze on left-wing extremists.

Here's a closer look at the facts.

CLAIM: An ICE van in Philadelphia seen ablaze in a video spreading online was intentionally set on fire by left-wing extremists.

THE FACTS: That's false. Although the cause of the fire is unknown, foul play is not suspected, according to the Philadelphia Fire Department and ICE.

“After our fire marshal spoke to the driver of the vehicle, who escaped unharmed, thankfully, it was determined that it was an accidental fire,” said Rachel Cunningham, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Fire Department. “I don't have information on what caused it or what the accident was, but there's no suspicion of foul play.”

The department responded to a call about a vehicle ablaze in front of a residence in Philadelphia's Center City neighborhood at 8:38 a.m. Tuesday morning, Cunningham said. One fire engine was sent to the scene and extinguished the flames. The fire marshal was called as a precaution, given that the van is a government vehicle.

ICE spokesperson Tanya Roman said that the van “experienced mechanical issues” before it caught fire.

“The Philadelphia Fire Department extinguished the flames after arriving on scene," she confirmed. "There were no injuries due to the fast response from the fire department and the vehicle’s occupants. The cause of the fire is unknown, but no foul play is suspected at this time.”

Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck.

Related Articles

Judge calls Trump administration's latest response on deportation flights 'woefully insufficient' 2 men escape from Colorado ICE facility in Aurora during power outage Want to move out of the US? Here are 4 key things experts want you to know London’s mayor: ‘Clearly a link’ between Trump and Americans wanting to become Brits
Share This

Popular

Crime|Election|Political|US

Progressive icon Barbara Lee wants to be mayor of an Oakland marked by crime and homelessness

Progressive icon Barbara Lee wants to be mayor of an Oakland marked by crime and homelessness
Crime|Political|US

US judge blocks Trump administration from deporting immigration activist

US judge blocks Trump administration from deporting immigration activist
Americas|Crime|Political|US

US Justice Department to probe leak of intelligence on Venezuelan gang, official says

US Justice Department to probe leak of intelligence on Venezuelan gang, official says
Crime|Europe|Political|World

Russian attacks kill five in Ukraine, officials say

Russian attacks kill five in Ukraine, officials say

Crime

Asia|Business|Crime|Food|US

Bumble Bee sued by deep-sea crew who say they were forced into ‘fishing boat slavery’

Bumble Bee sued by deep-sea crew who say they were forced into ‘fishing boat slavery’
Celebrity|Crime|Entertainment|Health|US

Officials release bodycam footage from outside home of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

Officials release bodycam footage from outside home of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
Crime|Election|Political|US

Trump says he didn’t sign proclamation invoking Alien Enemies Act

Trump says he didn’t sign proclamation invoking Alien Enemies Act
Americas|Celebrity|Crime|Europe|US

Andrew Tate en route to Romania to meet legal obligations pending trafficking probe

Andrew Tate en route to Romania to meet legal obligations pending trafficking probe

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In