2025 at 12:35 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Kennett Square's Mezzaluna Wood Fired Pizza has been named among the best pizzerias in the world at the recent International Pizza Competition
PA — A Chester County pizzeria has been named among the world's best at the recent International Pizza Challenge
which brought together the premier pizzerias from around the globe for an intensively judged
Some 550 competing eateries took part in the recent event
which was part of the recent Pizza Expo celebrations in Las Vegas
Kennett Square's Mezzaluna Wood Fired Pizza
placed third overall in the "non-traditional division."
They also placed first overall in the northeast division preliminaries
but to also get to know some of the best pizza makers in the world!"
The non-traditional division features chefs competing live and is essentially a free for all
Mezzaluna's bronze medal came out of a crowded field of 110 elite finalists from around the globe
Another highlight for the Keystone State was New Columbus Pizza Co.
which won the competition's "Best of the Best" event
"I honestly do not even know where to begin," owner and chef Anthony Cerimele shared in a social media post
"To say that I am overwhelmed by all of the messages and support that I have received in the last 18 hours is an understatement."
The "Best of the Best" category features multiple past winners of the competition "Pizza Makers of the Year." Each chef must make their own pizza with surprise ingredients
and the only personal item they can use is their own dough
PA's best received recognition in numerous categories
with a total of six different pizzerias winning or placing in the top three in major competitions
All Pennsylvania pizzerias that won awards are listed below:
The International Pizza Expo bills itself as the premiere pizza judging competition in the world
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
In-depth analysis and commentary on today's biggest news stories as only the BBC can deliver
BBC "Newshour" covers everything from the growth of democracy to the threat of terrorism with a fresh
This year marks the 12th iteration of the mushroom drop for the Chester County town
The 37th annual Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square is this weekend
Did you know Chester County produces half of the nation’s mushroom supply
The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
The seventh annual Bucks County Book Festival drew crowds with author panels
book signings and a celebration of community
Neighbors say they first noticed the flag along Meng Road about two weeks ago and contacted Lower Frederick Township to see if anything could be done
Families for Ceasefire Philly organized the vigil in front of the LOVE statue
where mourners hung a sign with the words “Gaza."
Emily Neil is a WHYY News reporter covering Bucks and Montgomery counties
Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal
local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community
WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY
Toward Racial Justice: Voices from the Midstate
photo courtesy of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center
A recent executive order threatens federal support for the emergency resources and educational programming you rely on and love
Inside Chester County lies Kennett Square, a town known for its mushroom farms. But hidden beneath its surface is a powerful history—one that reveals the courage, solidarity, and risk that defined the Underground Railroad. Today, that legacy lives on through the work of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center (KURC)
where volunteers are striving to preserve a story too long overlooked
and yet it has been set aside for so many years with no one saying anything about it,” says Debbie Burston
their livelihood—everything—in order to do this.”
Kennett Square’s proximity to the Mason-Dixon Line made it a crucial junction for freedom seekers traveling north from Maryland and Delaware
Delaware named Thomas Garrett,” explains Burston
“He was instrumental in over 2,700 freedom seekers getting away to freedom
His Quaker relatives and others lived in Kennett Square
and the freedom seekers went from Wilmington to Kennett.”
Burston notes that not all of Kennett was involved in the Underground Railroad
fiercely committed group kept the route alive for over four decades
but we do know what happened—and we know that it was here.”
became involved through her work with historical Black cemeteries
“I was looking for the names of the people buried in Bacto Cemetery,” she recalls
I ran across some forces of nature—Mary Dugan and Francis Cloud Taylor—and they had a mission to make sure the Kennett Underground Railroad was known.”
What began as a board meeting invitation turned into a passionate calling
“We were there to learn… and we became board members before we left,” she laughs
Visitors to the Kennett Underground Railroad Center are met with a rich
you see this wealth of knowledge,” says Crampton
“Debbie created this fabulous timeline that runs from 1619 to 1865
and we have QR codes that let you dive deeper into each moment.”
Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation
Become a WITF sponsor today »
Driving Directions
Request a Tour
00:39 A woman is lucky to be alive after traveling through Kennett Square on Monday when a large tree collapsed onto her car A near tragedy in a Philadelphia suburb while traveling on the road
over 100,000 fungi fans come from around the country to celebrate the humble mushroom at the mile-long Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
The ticketed festival runs along Kennett Square’s State Street amid a street fair of over 200 vendors from all over the country — each selling mushroom-themed eats
The all-ages two-day fest is also packed with mushroom-themed events and family fun
Chester County’s historic Kennett Square is considered the “Mushroom Capital of the World” for a reason: Its farms produce over 500 million pounds of mushrooms annually (half the nation’s total production!)
This year’s Kennett Square Mushroom Festival is September 7 & 8
2024’s Kennett Square Mushroom Festival brings back all of its classic fungi faves with a couple of new special events
This year’s theme: “Spawning Future Growth.”
it can be hard to figure out what to do first
So why not “spore” over this list of the top free mushroom fest activities and attractions
Cooking Demonstrations by Chef Carla Hall (New for 2024)
Learn from one of the best as Food Network host
Top Chef all-star and acclaimed author Carla Hall hosts two cooking demos at this year’s festival
Bonus: Chef Hall also serves as one of the Mushroom Chopped judges (more on that below)
Witness five amateur cooks square off in a live Chopped-style cooking competition
Contestants have 30 minutes to prepare a shroomtastic culinary creation — with a twist
Each is given a bag of mystery ingredients that they must use
and then judges declare a winner based on taste
2024 contests go head-to-head in a finale on September 8
See a variety of different mushrooms and get a crash course in Mycology 101 from local farmers
with educational topics like how to identify mushrooms
techniques for mushroom harvesting and special tips on growing your own
Cheer on an eight-minute gastronomic wonder of shroomy supremacy where amateur contestants chow down on as many fried mushrooms as they can for a cash prize
This spicy mushroom-eating contest — not for the faint of tongue — pits 10 contestants against each other as they down increasingly spicier mushrooms
To the winner: a cash prize (and a frosty vanilla milkshake)
Looking for the best way to cap off your days on the festival grounds
Check out vintage hot rods at the festival’s Antique & Classic Car Show
donate to a good cause during the Cute as a Button Photo Contest
stop by the Kids Area with bounce houses and bungee jumps
or high five Fun Gus — the festival’s iconic mushroom mascot
The Kennett Square Mushroom Festival has nearly every mushroom-themed food item you can imagine (and some you can’t)
you’ll find vendors and eateries offering a bevy of pay-as-you-go mushroom-inspired treats all over
Options range from savory snacks like breaded mushrooms to hearty meals like creamy mushroom soup
made with milk from local farms and packed to the gills with fresh portabellas and white buttons
The 200-plus vendors also include booths and local shops offering plenty of mushroom- and non-mushroom-themed products
with artists and bands cranking out tunes spanning original works
To check out the full schedule of events, click here
Kennett Square is located about 30 miles west of Philadelphia. The Mushroom Festival is held on State Street, located just off Route 1 in southern Chester County
The Kennett Square Mushroom Festival runs from 10 a.m
Tickets to the festival are $5 per person (cash only)
For an extra $5 donation, nearby parking is available at the following lots:
For more information on the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package
While most people come to Pennsylvania to experience its captivating historical heritage
there is a subtle part of the state that doesn't get talked about enough: its friendliness
While you might get a feel for this warmth in the "City of Brotherly Love," you might want to venture beyond the major metro areas to witness genuine hospitality in the Keystone State
Several quaint communities go above and beyond to make tourists feel at home while exploring local attractions
Their willingness to interact with strangers and involve them in their day-to-day activities demonstrates an infectious sense of community that makes you feel like you belong
Whether attending cultural festivals in Kennett Square or watching creative performances in Jim Thorpe
the following are Pennsylvania small towns with unmatched friendliness
Stroudsburg is a picturesque village in the Pocono Mountains region
reputed for its spectacular natural surroundings and a vibrant Main Street where the arts thrive
A lazy walk down the main thoroughfare introduces you to absorbing musical productions at the Sherman Theatre
which hosts a rotating lineup of live performances in a small yet intimate venue
you can admire an eclectic exhibition of fine art pieces by local and international artists at the quaint Gamut Art Gallery
Stroudsburg's true charm comes to the fore during the Monroe Farmers Market
This weekly gathering of cordial local farmers and crafters invites amicable interactions with vacationers as they bargain for the best prices and learn about local culture first-hand from the community
The annual Stroudfest brings cheer to the town every summer with a family-friendly festival marked by food
This vibrant college town has a contagious vibe that makes first-timers fall in love with its bustling art scene and want to explore its impressive cluster of businesses
Downtown Lewisburg houses a diverse blend of restaurants
with the ultimate shopping experience awaiting at the Lewisburg Farmers' Market
The market allows tourists to shop for farm produce
and baked goods during personal exchanges with local vendors
Visiting families can have an excellent time at the Lewisburg Children's Museum
and unique learning opportunities for the young ones
The arts play a significant part in shaping local culture
and you can tell this from the density of galleries in Lewisburg
Enthusiasts visit the Samek Art Museum to browse a vast collection of at least 6,000 art pieces sourced from around the globe
the best time for art lovers is during the annual Lewisburg Arts Festival
which attracts over 100 artists and transforms Market Street into a creative haven
Indiana is home to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and sits approximately 46 miles from Pittsburgh
History buffs learn about Indiana's colorful past at the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County
the Jimmy Stewart Museum is an interesting stop for fans of the famed Hollywood star
chronicling a rich legacy throughout his life in the spotlight
The sprawling Whites Woods Nature Center provides an escape for nature lovers to delight in the open spaces
the serene park is a popular hub for hikers
don't miss the annual Indiana County Fair and use the opportunity to learn about the town's agricultural heritage
This Lancaster County community oozes family-friendly charm at every turn of its adorable downtown district, where history, culture, and nature collide. Lititz is home to the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which has been operating since the 19th century as the longest-running pretzel bakery in the United States
Guests still visit this rustic brick establishment to enjoy delicious pretzels prepared using age-old recipes
Those with a sweet tooth can also pass by the Wilbur Chocolate Retail Store
The historic shop sells delicious chocolates and confectionaries that promise to tame your sweet cravings
Visitors and locals alike enjoy gathering at Lititz Springs Park for a breath of fresh air
This urban oasis in the heart of the city features grassy picnic areas with shady trees and a gorgeous fountain
Lititz also hosts several fun festivals that unite people
including September's Lititz Craft Beer Fest
This quiet northeastern Pennsylvania borough invites vacationers to explore the unmatched beauty of the Poconos and engage in fantastic outdoor excursions
Palmerton is an adventure lover's paradise offering year-round opportunities
with summers cultivating relaxed cruises down the Lehigh River when you book a trip with Luna Rafting
winters drive enthusiasts to the snow slopes of Blue Mountain Resort
The property spans over 164 acres and provides miles of trails for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders
Palmerton hosts a quaint downtown area with a blend of local businesses
West End Saloon is a fun little spot where you can pop in for dinner in a cozy setting before wrapping up the day with refreshing cocktails at Blue Mountain Pub
The bar has an inviting atmosphere with accommodating patrons you will enjoy chatting with
Besides being the "sweetest place on earth," Hershey is one of those Pennsylvania small towns that promise the perfect family getaway. This Dauphin County borough is less than thirty minutes from Harrisburg and houses the famous Hershey Chocolate Company
which has treated Americans with luscious chocolate treats for years
A trip to Hershey's Chocolate World allows guests to enjoy fun rides and sumptuous treats during a rare behind-the-scenes look into the workings of the factory
the tranquil Hershey Gardens lets you catch your breath in a peaceful oasis with a colorful flowers
close-up encounters with cute wildlife species at ZooAmerica will surely intrigue everyone in the family
The small sanctuary hosts about 200 animals from different species
consider attending the annual Hershey Artfest for diverse entertainment events
Huntingdon is a beautiful riverside municipality with inviting green spaces
It is a great destination for nature lovers
who feel at home when exploring the lush grounds of Greenwood Furnace State Park
and a 6-acre reservoir that fuels different aquatic activities
George Weaver Park has a more family-friendly atmosphere and offers a delightful pavilion where people host parties
a stroll through downtown Huntingdon brings you to several points of interest
vacationers pause to indulge their sweet tooth with delicious ice cream flavors
Silver Screen lovers enjoy a modern movie experience at Huntingdon Cinema's Clifton 5
Jim Thorpe is a hidden gem in eastern Pennsylvania, framed by the spell-binding natural scenery of the Pocono Mountains
Its storybook wilderness scenery compels visitors to soak in the sights during a fantastic trip aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
This fun excursion cuts through the heart of the Lehigh Gorge State Park
One of the best times to experience Jim Thorpe's unmatched beauty is during the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival
as the outdoors transforms into a kaleidoscope of orange
A visit to the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center familiarizes newcomers with Jim Thorpe's rich and dynamic heritage
and documents chronicling the town's curious evolution
you can catch a moving theatrical performance at the Mauch Chunk Opera House to connect with the arts
This famous cultural landmark dates back to the Victorian period and features a rustic and intimate interior
This adorable bedroom community in Chester County is known for its agricultural heritage and friendly residents
Nicknamed "Mushroom Capital of the World," it has a receptive attitude towards tourists
demonstrated during the Kennett Square Farmers Market
This lovely gathering allows foreigners to mingle with locals while perusing farm-fresh produce and handmade crafts
it gets better during the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
when the townspeople gather to celebrate a longstanding tradition centered around mushrooms
Longwood Gardens perfectly embodies Kennett Square's exceptional green scenery
This 1,000-acre oasis impresses visitors with majestic displays of botanical gardens
don't leave without tasting delicious locally crafted beers at Braeloch Brewing
If you enjoy genuine human interactions devoid of any stranger danger, these Pennsylvania small towns demonstrate a touch of friendliness you'd be hard-pressed to come across elsewhere. The residents receive tourists with open arms and put on the best show of hospitality, resulting in a feeling of being home away from home. When you grow tired of the rowdy crowds in Philadelphia
consider visiting Hershey with family or exploring Lititz on a solo tour to witness organic warmth
photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com
2024Longwood Gardens is ready for the holiday season!KENNETT SQUARE
(WPVI) -- Longwood Gardens is ready for the holiday season
Pennsylvania garden paradise underwent a $250 million reimagining
Action News Reporter Katherine Scott got a preview of all the festive and bright fun
From portobello to shiitake, if you fancy an edible fungus, you don't have to travel far beyond Philadelphia to experience the allure of mushrooms in Kennett Square
Known as the "mushroom capital of the world," Kennett Square celebrates its agricultural heritage each year with the annual Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
and plenty of mushrooms for sampling are all part of the festivities along State Street in the town
How did Kennett Square become associated with mushrooms
During the latter half of the 19th century
a Quaker florist in Kennett Square took mushroom spawn — a colony of mycelium
which produce mushrooms — from England and placed it underneath a bench in his greenhouse
Other flower growers in the area started doing the same
creating the first mushroom production site in the United States
When European immigrants arrived in the area during the 1920s
they were already familiar with mushroom cultivation and soon transformed a hobbyist pursuit into a significant agricultural commodity
the mushroom industry in southeastern Pennsylvania is a significant economic driver
employing more than 8,000 people and encompassing over 2,000 mushroom-growing facilities in Chester County
The most common mushroom species grown almost exclusively in Kennett Square is the white button mushroom
This species is also known more commonly as a cremini or baby bella
When the white button matures to full size
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics
during the 2023-2024 Pennsylvania mushroom cultivation season
farmers grew approximately 643 million pounds of Agaricus bisporus
Pennsylvania was responsible for 69% of total Agaricus bisporus sales nationwide
Learn more about the mushroom industry in Kennett Square on the Kennett Mushrooms website
Some Easter activities like egg hunts and egg-and-spoon races may make you feel a bit old
Many us really feel this in our knees and lower back
But there’s one thing everyone can participate in around Easter
Those baskets full of treats aren’t just for the kids
Adults can easily get in on the fun by exchanging some of the best gifts
Finding little or big trinkets for an adult Easter basket is not challenging at all
You just have to tap into the hobbies and interests of the person you’re gifting the basket to
whether it's beauty finds or fun tech gadgets
Many people took to Reddit to share what they have gifted a friend or loved one in an Easter basket
If you’re preparing a basket for someone who loves all things social media, there are plenty of DIY videos floating around platforms like TikTok and Instagram. There’s a page from a TikTok user
You’re pretty much covered on shopping options whether you’re looking for big or small items for your basket
Take your adult Easter basket to the next level with aromatherapy candles or essential oils
You can even take a bath time approach with items like bath bombs
Skincare items can also work for your basket with items like face masks
Something different to gift could be a journal or notebook for writing or drawing
Even nail polish or make-up can work in this case
Who needs chocolate bunnies when you can have a basket full of disinfecting wipes
Let’s be real—adults don’t want more junk; they want something they’ll actually use (and preferably didn’t have to buy themselves)
This Easter basket isn’t about cavities and sugar crashes; it’s about sparkling countertops and that fresh lemon scent of accomplishment
there might even be a little treat—because let’s be honest
scrubbing the stove deserves at least one piece of chocolate
A nice bottle of wine, a couple of cans of beer, or a hard seltzer can work for an adult Easter basket. It also gives it more of that "adult" basket feel. There are plenty of non-alcoholic options too for your sober friends. Another option would be to add specialty sodas like Jones to your basket
You can even do what I did for my wedding and customize your bottle
to give it more "oomph." If you're thinking
you want to gift something that's caffeinated opt for tea or coffee
You can go the traditional route with Cadbury Creme Eggs and chocolate Easter bunnies or specialty items like beef jerky or limited-edition chips
Just gather up some of the giftee's favorite foods or even sauces or spices to add to their basket
or mixed nuts can work for your basket too
Phone accessories are great for the TikTok King or Queen in your life
If your special person receiving the gift is into getting the perfect lighting in their photos or giving their followers a play-play on their day-to-day this is an option for your basket
If you want something that quick and simple there are always pop sockets and phone cases
Just make sure you know what kind of phone the person have before purchasing
Tumblers, cups, and coffee mugs are a safe bet for your adult Easter basket. It's something cute and simple you can add to your gift. I'm not saying break the bank for a Stanley Tumbler. Unless you're cool with dropping $45 for the cup allegedly causing fights in stores
You can even splurge a little on tumbler accessories
Jewelry can really make a person's personality pop
there are plenty of options to choose from to add to your basket
You can also get creative with your jewelry find and hunt down Easter-themed jewelry
If you're creating a basket for a person who enjoys lazy days and overall comfort
These kinds of items are great for people who love an excuse to stay inside and cozy up
It will have them saying things like "Sorry
I have to test out my new slippers." And they're small enough to fit in your DIY basket
Download the app to LISTEN LIVE wherever you are and connect with us like never before
Image: News_ICE_1-_Puerto Rico_ by Lee Cannon is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0..jpg
21 ICE detained three undocumented immigrants in Kennett Square
This comes as a result of the Trump administration’s campaign to crack down on the border crisis
ICE stated that these three individuals were in the country illegally, which was the cause for the detainments. They also made a statement saying that one of them had a “criminal history for driving under the influence and assault.”
When sharing information with the Daily Local, an ICE spokesperson was quoted saying
Immigration and Customs Enforcement prioritizes public safety
Our brave officers are on the streets every day
arrest and remove the most egregious criminal aliens in line with the president’s policy of ‘worst first.’”
While some Americans are proponents of the mass deportation plan that Trump campaigned on
there are plenty who vehemently oppose this action
Representative Christina Sappey, D-158 of East Marlborough, stated
“I am devastated to learn of ICE action in our community
so many of us here have worked hard to prepare and push out information and resources.”
While this event did not take place on West Chester University’s campus or involve anyone associated with the University
The Quad reached out to the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) on campus for their reaction to this incident
the LASO Public Relations Chairperson responded with the following statement
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere
should be concerned about how our current administration’s rhetoric and actions have transformed into the inhumane system we see today
What occurred last Friday in our neighboring town should be alarming; you do not need to be affected directly to recognize the wrong in it
These individuals are someone’s friend
someone’s family or even someone’s neighbor
Let us not forget that our country was built on immigration
and it is impossible to restore what is attempting to be torn down without the very people who are the foundation of what makes America what it is today
this comes as a result of the current presidential administration’s mass deportations aimed at Latin American undocumented immigrants
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that essentially would crack down on those who were living in the United States without legal rights. The White House Website describes the order as follows:
“Millions of illegal aliens crossed our borders or were permitted to fly directly into the United States on commercial flights and allowed to settle in American communities
in violation of longstanding Federal laws.”
The page goes on to declare that “this order ensures that the Federal Government protects the American people by faithfully executing the immigration laws of the United States.”
Many opponents to Trump’s plan state that the majority of these workers are not the violent criminals that he and his allies claim that they are
but rather ordinary people trying to make a living and provide for their families
This does not even factor in the American economic issues that the mass deportation would cause
According to the United States Department of Agriculture
“roughly half [42%] of hired crop farmworkers lack legal immigration status.”
Geoff Soland is a fourth-year History major with minors in Journalism and Museum Studies. GS1003383@wcupa.edu
Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value"
Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardFake ‘ICE Volunteer Corps’ truck stirs fear in Chester County immigrant communityIn the Facebook group “¿Qué Pasa
Kennett Square?,” a member of that community posted photos of the vehicle on Jan
24 with the warning in Spanish that it was “Not ICE.”
As Pennsylvania’s immigrant community worries over deportations under the new Trump administration, a vehicle and its driver presenting as a member of “ICE Volunteer Corps” is stirring anxieties in Chester County
There is, of course, no such thing as a volunteer division of Immigration Customs and Enforcement
the federal agency the president has tasked to ramp up raids and deport millions of undocumented people in the opening weeks of his second term
But that didn’t stop the driver from brandishing the fraudulent ICE stickers on the side and back of a white Jeep this month
one spotted by residents in both West Chester and Kennett Square in recent days — the latter home to thousands of undocumented people who work in the region’s agricultural industry
West Chester University
in a statement sent to the campus community Monday
confirmed that the school had received complaints about the vehicle on its campus
The university confirmed its existence via photos and security footage
“Upon thorough review by the WCU Department of Public Safety
the reported vehicle is not believed to be an official government vehicle,” the statement said
Put more plainly: “We believe that the vehicle’s unofficial signage was meant to create confusion and concern,” the statement continued
said she has heard multiple reports of people spotting the vehicle around Kennett Square
the nation’s mushroom-producing capital and home to a growing population of asylum-seeking migrants from countries such as Guatemala
the vehicle is affixed with what appear to be police lights on top
Sweet said that in addition to the West Chester University sighting, the vehicle had been spotted parked outside a Wawa store in the Kennett Square area
“[The Jeep] has really rattled the community
even though it’s a private citizen who has the sticker on their car
It’s caused a lot of fear — unnecessarily.”
A spokesperson for ICE in Philadelphia said the agency does not have volunteers but did not return a subsequent request for a statement about the vehicle
An administrative member of the Kennett Square Police Department said that the department did not have knowledge of the vehicle
members of the Latino community have been quick to take action to dispel fear and rumors
“We’ve sent the information to the police since it’s illegal what he’s doing,” the user wrote
according to Facebook’s Spanish-to-English translation
“If you see similar cars and you are not sure if they are really ICE
take a picture so you can investigate if they are actually ICE officers.”
The post generated a flurry of comments and activity
It is a federal crime to impersonate an ICE officer
and penalties can include fines and imprisonment
West Chester University said its officers were on heightened alert over the vehicle
though security footage did not yield a clear photo of the vehicle’s license plate number
For Sweet, one half of the law firm Sweet & Paciorek, the vehicle incident is just one element of the confusion that has swept her clientele since President Donald Trump’s inauguration this month
Deportations of criminals happened regularly under the Biden administration
though Trump has vowed to ramp up enforcement and overhaul immigration policy to vastly limit the number of migrants in the country
Sweet said that migrants she works with have varying immigration statuses
though many are asylum-seekers with work authorization who are waiting for immigration court hearings despite a backlog that has led to wait times of up to several years
A major fear among undocumented agricultural workers in Chester County, according to Sweet, is that the Trump administration will expand its expedited removal policy
meaning those who have yet to have a court hearing could be subject to deportation as they wait to see a judge and make their case for asylum
“There’s a large group of people who are here who are relying on the fact that they’re going to have this court hearing and haven’t done anything about their case yet,” said Sweet
who spent a marathon week advising both nonprofits and individuals about the rights immigrants have during an ICE encounter
“If that court date goes away and they’re now being removed from the United States,” Sweet said