Lady Justice
(Source: CBS) Two Temple University students are facing interim suspensions after allegedly impersonating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on the school’s North Philadelphia campus over the weekend. One of the students, 22-year-old Aidan Steigelmann, has also been charged by Philadelphia police with impersonating an officer.
The incident, which occurred on February 1, involved a third individual identified as a former Temple student who is no longer affiliated with the university. According to police, the trio attempted to enter the Johnson and Hardwick Residence Halls around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, claiming to be police and ICE agents. Temple police were called to the scene, but the suspects had already left in a Jaguar SUV by the time officers arrived.
About 10 minutes later, the group was spotted at an Insomnia Cookies location on Cecil B. Moore Avenue, where they reportedly disrupted the business and recorded video. Two of the individuals were seen wearing shirts with “Police” and “ICE” printed in white lettering.
Using surveillance footage, investigators tracked the suspects’ vehicle and arrested Steigelmann on the 1700 block of North 12th Street at 10 p.m. Temple University confirmed that Steigelmann has been placed on interim suspension pending further investigation.
Under Temple’s Student Code of Conduct, students found responsible for such behavior could face severe disciplinary action, including expulsion. The Philadelphia Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from Temple University Police.
Temple University has issued a press release encouraging anyone with information about the incident to reach out to Temple Police via email at Investigations@temple.edu or by calling 215-204-1234. They emphasize the importance of contacting Temple Police right away if you observe any suspicious behavior on campus. Additionally, they clarify that there have been no reports from either Temple’s Department of Public Safety or the Philadelphia Police Department regarding the presence of federal ICE agents on campus.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement following President Donald Trump’s recent crackdown on illegal immigration and his promise to carry out mass deportations in his first weeks in office. In a statement released on January 31, Temple University President John Fry assured the campus community that there have been no reports of federal ICE agents on campus.
“All law enforcement actions on campus, however, would need to comply with typical processes, including a warrant or court order when appropriate,” Fry said. The impersonation allegations also follow Trump’s controversial executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, which has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge in Seattle.
Impersonating law enforcement officers is a serious crime that can lead to criminal charges and significant penalties. For the Temple students involved, the consequences could extend beyond legal repercussions to academic discipline, potentially jeopardizing their futures. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting the law and the potential fallout of engaging in deceptive and disruptive behavior.
The Philadelphia Police Department and Temple University Police are working together to gather more information and determine the full extent of the suspects’ actions. Meanwhile, the university community is on alert, with officials emphasizing the need for vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement. For now, the case remains a developing story, with the potential for further charges and disciplinary actions as more details come to light.
