Stock image of ICE operation. Bryan Cox/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images
A Temple University student found himself in big trouble after allegedly pretending to be an ICE agent on campus. Aidan Steigelmann, 22, was arrested and suspended after he and two other individuals reportedly posed as officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in North Philadelphia.
The incident happened on Saturday night, February 1. According to Temple University, Steigelmann and his group tried to enter the Johnson and Hardwick Residence Halls around 9:30 p.m. They were turned away but didn’t stop there.
Not long after, the trio was spotted again—this time, two of them were wearing shirts labeled “Police” and “ICE.” They were allegedly causing a scene at a local business while the third person filmed the whole thing. It didn’t take long for investigators to track them down, thanks to footage of the Jaguar SUV they were driving. By 10 p.m., police had located Steigelmann on North 12th Street and arrested him.
He now faces charges for impersonating a public servant and has been placed on interim suspension by Temple University. In a strong statement, the university made it clear that this kind of behavior won’t be tolerated. “Impersonating law enforcement officers is a crime,” the statement read. “Any student found responsible for this conduct will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.”
Both Temple University Police and the Philadelphia Police Department are investigating the case. The arrest comes just days after Temple reassured students that no federal ICE agents had been on campus, following concerns related to immigration enforcement.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to reach out to Temple Police.
