FACT CHECK: Viral X Post Falsely Claims ICE Minivan Was Intentionally Set On Fire In Philadelphia

A viral video shared on X claims an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) minivan was intentionally set on fire in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

An ICE minivan had been set on fire in Philadelphia.

The left is calling for this violence, and these left-wing terrorists need to be prosecuted. pic.twitter.com/LT4pJdYqAb

— Patriot Lady (@angelwoman501) February 18, 2025

Verdict: False

The fire was accidental, not intentional, the Post Millennial and the Daily Beast reported, respectively.

Fact Check:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it “can, should, and will” perform polygraph exams on personnel amid ICE raids, according to Fox News. The tactic will be used to combat potential leaks about the locations of upcoming raids, the outlet reported.

The X video, viewed nearly 13,000 times as of writing, claims an ICE minivan was intentionally set on fire in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“An ICE minivan had been set on fire in Philadelphia. The left is calling for this violence, and these left-wing terrorists need to be prosecuted,” the video’s caption reads. In the video, the minivan can clearly be seen burning. A police SUV is also visible.

The claim is false. Citing a statement from ICE, the Post Millennial reported that the minivan caught fire due to “mechanical issues.” Referring to the same statement, the outlet indicated that “the cause of the fire is unknown, but no foul play is suspected.”

Likewise, on Feb. 18, the Daily Beast reported that the fire was accidental, not intentional. The fire occurred on Feb. 16, and first responders were called to the scene around 8:30 a.m., according to the outlet. No injuries occurred.

In addition, Check Your Fact did not find any evidence suggesting the fire was intentionally set on ICE’s website or its verified social media accounts. Check Your Fact also did not find any credible news reports to support the claim. Actually, the opposite is true. Both Lead Stories and Newsweek recently debunked the claim. (RELATED: Giant Jesus Statue On White House Lawn Is Not Real)

Check Your Fact has contacted ICE’s field office in Philadelphia and a Philadelphia Fire Department spokesperson for comment.