To the Temple community, 

On Feb. 1, 2025, just before 10:00 p.m., three individuals were involved in a disruption of a business located on the 1300 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue. Reports indicate two individuals were impersonating U.S. Immigration and Enforcement Unit (ICE) agents wearing shirts with "Police" and "ICE" in white lettering. The third individual with the two impersonators was recording the interactions. While investigating this incident, the Temple Communications Center was notified that these individuals attempted to enter Johnson & Hardwick Residence Hall earlier, but were denied access. 

Temple Communication Center professionals used cameras to locate the vehicle these individuals were using on and around campus. Temple police immediately responded, identifying and taking one Temple student into custody. As law enforcement and the university pursue their investigations, the involved student is on interim suspension. Any student found responsible for this conduct will be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code, up to and including expulsion.

Impersonating law enforcement officers is a crime. This behavior and harassment of Temple community members will not be tolerated. The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) and Temple University Police (TUPD) swiftly responded to the incidents and initiated a criminal investigation. PPD is the lead investigative agency and TUPD is actively assisting to gather information. 

If anyone has information regarding this incident, we ask that they contact Temple Police at Investigations@temple.edu or call 215-204-1234. We also ask that you immediately contact Temple Police if you notice any concerning activity on campus.

As stated in an announcement posted last week, please know that neither Temple’s Department of Public Safety nor the Philadelphia Police Department have any reports of federal ICE agents being on campus. 

It is deeply troubling and disappointing to know behavior like this reportedly occurred on our campus. We encourage students to seek available support services at Tuttleman Counseling Services, located at 1700 N. Broad St., which offers a range of resources. For more information on services and hours of operation, call 215-204-7276 or visit the Tuttleman Counseling Services website.

For faculty and staff members, our employee assistance program offers support and resources 24/7 online or by calling 1-888-267-8126. Employees and students can also contact Temple’s Psychological Services Center at psc@temple.edu, or 215-204-7100. 

Our commitment is to provide a welcoming environment for all our students, faculty and staff, and we will continue to support the Temple community. 

Sincerely,

Jennifer D. Griffin
Vice President for Public Safety & Chief of Police

Jodi Bailey Accavallo
Vice President for Student Affairs