Alpha Phi Alpha Issues Statement Condemning ICE Actions, Calls on Congress and Courts to Protect Civil Rights

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has issued a strong public statement condemning what it described as escalating aggression and a disregard for civil rights and the rule of law by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), calling on Congress and the federal courts to intervene.

In a statement released Wednesday, the fraternity said it “abhors and condemns the escalating aggression and disregard of civil rights and rule of law” by ICE in cities across the country. Alpha Phi Alpha emphasized that ICE is a regulatory agency, not a law enforcement agency, and raised concerns about its conduct and accountability.

“ICE is a regulatory agency not a law enforcement agency and should not be permitted to wear masks as well as harass, detain, assault, or kill with little or no accountability,” the statement read. “No one is above the law, and no agency is above the U.S. Constitution.”

The fraternity asserted that recent immigration enforcement efforts have moved away from border security and lawful policy enforcement and instead have resulted in the targeting of minority communities, regardless of citizenship status. Alpha Phi Alpha also cited recent reports alleging the presence of extremist affiliations within ICE, calling those revelations deeply troubling and deserving of urgent scrutiny.

“Over the past year, ICE has sent a clear message that current immigration efforts are not about the security of our borders nor the enforcement of our immigration laws and policies,” the statement said, but instead about “providing a license to target minority people in this country… under the guise of immigration enforcement.”

Reaffirming its long-standing role in civil rights advocacy, Alpha Phi Alpha stated that its commitment to protecting disenfranchised communities remains unwavering. “Be clear, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and its Brotherhood have long stood at the forefront for the advancement and equal protection of disenfranchised people in the public sector, and that is unwavering,” the statement said.

The fraternity expressed support for Brothers and chapters participating in peaceful protests, with approval from their Regional Vice President, while explicitly stating that it does not condone violence or the destruction of property.

Alpha Phi Alpha also outlined specific actions it is encouraging its members and chapters to take, including:

• Setting aside time to meet with their congressional district representatives to discuss concerns about the aggressive nature of ICE
• Urging Congress and the President to work together on immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, commonly referred to as “Dreamers”
• Engaging in voter registration, education, and turnout efforts for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 elections, in partnership with like-minded organizations

The statement concluded with a forceful warning about the broader implications of ICE’s actions. “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will not be silent while the rights and freedoms of U.S. citizens and people in search of the American promise are trampled and ICE operates like 21st century slave patrols in this country,” the fraternity said. “Our freedom and democracy depend on it.”