Philadelphia's progressive District Attorney, Larry Krasner, has become the subject of widespread mockery after attempting to use the popular Gen Z acronym 'FAFO' – short for 'f**k around, find out' – in a social media post targeting federal immigration agents.
A Social Media Post Backfires
The 64-year-old left-wing prosecutor posted a stark black-and-white photograph of himself on X (formerly Twitter) with the letters 'FAFO' prominently displayed. The accompanying text was a direct warning: 'To ICE and the National Guard: if you commit crimes in Philadelphia, we will charge you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.'
While the phrase has been adopted by some political figures, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Krasner's attempt was widely perceived as awkward and out-of-touch, drawing immediate fire from across the political spectrum.
Bipartisan Criticism and a Heated Immigration Debate
The backlash was swift and severe. Conservative critics were particularly scathing. The National Police Association retorted, 'Unlike criminals in Philadelphia who get their charges dropped by the DA.' Another user derided the DA, writing, 'Larry, you’re a joke (and your family is embarrassed over this pic of you trying to look tough).'
Criticism also came from the left. Author Malcolm Harris questioned the post's purpose, asking, 'What's the point of this grandstanding? You have a police unit that's ready to arrest federal law enforcement officers, on your order?'
The post amplified a fiery ongoing conflict between Philadelphia officials and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Krasner had appeared alongside the city's Sheriff, Rochelle Bilal, who recently labelled ICE agents 'fake, wannabe law enforcement.'
Bilal's comments came in the wake of the fatal shooting of Minnesota woman Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. At a press conference, Bilal warned, 'If any [ICE agents] want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide... You don't want this smoke, cause we will bring it to you.'
Escalating Rhetoric and Official Responses
The strong rhetoric from Philadelphia officials prompted a sharp response from federal authorities. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons criticised the dangerous rhetoric of pitting law enforcement against law enforcement. In a direct challenge to Sheriff Bilal, he stated on Fox News, 'I'm not one for big banter or bluster, but my message to the sheriff is: try it. Try [and] arrest my folks and see what happens.'
Meanwhile, former Trump administration 'border czar' Tom Homan made an emotional plea for de-escalation during an appearance on Dr. Phil. 'I’m begging. Tone down the rhetoric... I don’t want to see anybody die. So, for God’s sake, let’s tone the rhetoric down,' Homan urged, referencing the deaths of federal agents in the line of duty.
This incident is not Krasner's first major controversy. In 2022, he faced a potential impeachment effort by Pennsylvania House Republicans, who argued his policies on prosecuting minor crimes, bail, and victim notifications warranted his removal. He was, however, overwhelmingly re-elected by Philadelphia voters last year.
The 'FAFO' episode underscores the intensely polarised debate over immigration enforcement in American cities and the risks for public figures who try, and fail, to co-opt youth-driven internet slang for political messaging.
