Illegal Immigrant Training as Pennsylvania Corrections Officer Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Ibrahim George Kallon, a Sierra Leone citizen training to become a corrections officer at Delaware County Prison, was arrested on suspicion of multiple sexual offenses, federal authorities announced Friday. Kallon, who overstayed his visa which expired in 2024, was taken into custody by the Glenolden Police Department on February 11 following allegations that include involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, false imprisonment, and indecent assault.
The arrest has sparked criticism of Delaware County Prison for releasing Kallon back into the community despite a federal immigration detainer issued by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Authorities contend that Kallon’s release allowed a suspect accused of serious crimes to evade custody, raising concerns about local compliance with federal immigration enforcement.
Kallon had been participating in training to become a corrections officer, a role that requires a high level of trust and responsibility. His status as an illegal immigrant with an expired visa was confirmed by ICE, which stated that Kallon’s visitor visa expired in 2024, making his presence in the United States unauthorized.
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges of managing immigration enforcement at the local level. According to the Department of Homeland Security, coordination between local law enforcement and federal agencies is critical to ensuring that individuals with immigration violations are properly detained and processed.
ICE officials have publicly condemned Delaware County Prison’s decision to release Kallon despite the detainer, emphasizing the risks posed to public safety when suspects with serious criminal allegations are freed prematurely. The agency’s statement underscored the importance of honoring detainers to prevent individuals who may pose a threat from reentering the community.
Legal experts note that immigration detainers are requests from ICE to local law enforcement to hold individuals suspected of immigration violations for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release. However, compliance is voluntary, and some jurisdictions have policies limiting cooperation with ICE detainers.
The case has also prompted calls for stricter vetting procedures for individuals seeking to work in sensitive positions such as corrections officers. The Pennsylvania State Police Commission oversees certification and background checks for corrections officers, but questions remain about how Kallon was able to begin training despite his immigration status.
Authorities continue to investigate the allegations against Kallon as the community grapples with the implications of the case. The arrest highlights ongoing debates over immigration enforcement, public safety, and the responsibilities of local institutions in cooperating with federal agencies.
As of now, Kallon remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. The Delaware County Prison administration has not issued a public statement regarding the circumstances of his release or the training program under which he was enrolled.
Leave a Reply