Pittsburgh Police Accused of Ignoring ICE Agents' Struggle with Suspect

Chief launches investigation into claims that officers were told to stand down during the incident.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:35am

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Pittsburgh police officers allegedly did not intervene as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents struggled to detain a suspect near a police station, with claims circulating that officers were told to stand down. Police Chief Jason Lando said he is not aware of any order directing officers not to act and has launched an administrative review into the incident.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about the relationship between local police and federal immigration enforcement, as well as the role of law enforcement in responding to situations involving multiple agencies.

The details

The incident unfolded as ICE agents attempted to detain a suspect near the Zone 3 police station, when the individual began fighting and kicking the ICE agents. A Pittsburgh police officer reportedly told a local radio host that they had been instructed to stand down during the confrontation. While officers did not intervene, Police Chief Lando emphasized that Pittsburgh police do not enforce federal immigration law and are not involved in ICE operations.

  • The incident occurred on March 17, 2026 near the Zone 3 police station in Pittsburgh.

The players

Jason Lando

The Police Chief of Pittsburgh who has launched an administrative review into the incident.

Corey O'Connor

The Democratic Mayor of Pittsburgh who has stated that the city will continue its policy of not assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

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What they’re saying

“To that end, I was recently made aware of an incident that occurred in front of the Zone 3 police station where ICE agents were struggling to take someone into custody.”

— Jason Lando, Pittsburgh Police Chief (Fox News)

“While our officers did not intervene in this particular situation, I am not aware of any order given that forbid them from doing so.”

— Jason Lando, Pittsburgh Police Chief (Fox News)

“Our job is not, and has never been, to conduct immigration enforcement. We do not collaborate with ICE. We do not check immigration status on calls for service. We do not participate in 'roundups'.”

— Jason Lando, Pittsburgh Police Chief (Fox News)

What’s next

Police Chief Lando has directed the Zone 3 commander to conduct a review to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as well as the challenges in navigating the complex relationships and responsibilities between different agencies. The investigation will likely shed more light on the specific circumstances and decision-making process that led to the officers' inaction during the ICE agents' struggle with the suspect.