Philadelphia City Council Proposes Sweeping Restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents
A proposed legislative package aims to restrict the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Philadelphia, with Councilmembers Rue Landau and Kendra Brooks claiming that the measure is necessary to address an existing issue involving raids and agent activity in the city.
The "ICE Out" legislation prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks, using unmarked vehicles, or conducting raids on city-owned property. It also bars city agencies from sharing data about residents with ICE and makes discriminating based on immigration status illegal in Philadelphia.
According to Landau, a supermajority of 15 co-sponsors - out of 17 council members - would be required to pass the package without Mayor Cherelle Parker's signature, which is unlikely given her previous opposition to similar measures. The legislation has garnered significant support from residents and city officials alike.
Brooks emphasized that Philadelphia already has an ICE presence, citing instances where agents have been involved in fatal shootings within the city limits. She rejected claims by some lawmakers that the package would draw attention to Philadelphia, arguing instead that it's about addressing existing issues involving raids and agent activity.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson supported Brooks' stance, framing the issue as a "moral" one that requires City Council action. Landau also assured lawmakers that the legislation was designed to strengthen existing laws in the city, with support from national and local attorneys.
The package's proposed enforcement mechanisms involve collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and other city departments, although some details are still being ironed out. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the legality of certain restrictions on federal agents, but Brooks remains confident that City Council has the authority to act.
Philadelphia joins a growing list of cities taking steps to limit ICE's presence in their jurisdictions. The proposal comes as protests in Minneapolis continue following fatal shootings by ICE officers, highlighting the need for local action in addressing issues related to immigration enforcement.
A proposed legislative package aims to restrict the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Philadelphia, with Councilmembers Rue Landau and Kendra Brooks claiming that the measure is necessary to address an existing issue involving raids and agent activity in the city.
The "ICE Out" legislation prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks, using unmarked vehicles, or conducting raids on city-owned property. It also bars city agencies from sharing data about residents with ICE and makes discriminating based on immigration status illegal in Philadelphia.
According to Landau, a supermajority of 15 co-sponsors - out of 17 council members - would be required to pass the package without Mayor Cherelle Parker's signature, which is unlikely given her previous opposition to similar measures. The legislation has garnered significant support from residents and city officials alike.
Brooks emphasized that Philadelphia already has an ICE presence, citing instances where agents have been involved in fatal shootings within the city limits. She rejected claims by some lawmakers that the package would draw attention to Philadelphia, arguing instead that it's about addressing existing issues involving raids and agent activity.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson supported Brooks' stance, framing the issue as a "moral" one that requires City Council action. Landau also assured lawmakers that the legislation was designed to strengthen existing laws in the city, with support from national and local attorneys.
The package's proposed enforcement mechanisms involve collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and other city departments, although some details are still being ironed out. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the legality of certain restrictions on federal agents, but Brooks remains confident that City Council has the authority to act.
Philadelphia joins a growing list of cities taking steps to limit ICE's presence in their jurisdictions. The proposal comes as protests in Minneapolis continue following fatal shootings by ICE officers, highlighting the need for local action in addressing issues related to immigration enforcement.
Philadelphia is like totally taking a stand against those scary ICE agents!!! 
I'm living for this, Councilmembers Rue Landau and Kendra Brooks are total heroes 
! They're trying to protect their city from all the raids and stuff that's just causing so much drama. And I love how they're framing it as a "moral" issue - like, come on people we gotta do what's right here 
! 
that just shows how united the city is against these agents. And Kenyatta Johnson is totally on point with his "moral" stance 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to protect their citizens from federal agents? It's about time some action was taken!
. Minneapolis protests over those fatal shootings were so powerful, it's amazing to see cities taking matters into their own hands 
. I mean, I get where Councilmembers Landau and Brooks are coming from - there have been some pretty serious incidents involving ICE agents, like those fatal shootings in the city. But at the same time, I worry that this package could be a bit too restrictive and might even lead to some unintended consequences, like attracting unwanted attention from the feds 
.
. Maybe they should be having a more nuanced conversation about how to balance public safety with immigrant rights? 
I get where the council members are coming from, but shouldn't we be addressing the root issues of systemic racism and police brutality first? 
.
. but at the same time I get why they're trying to do this, especially after those fatal shootings in Minneapolis 
. it's just so frustrating that we can't even agree on how to handle these things. I mean what's next? are we gonna start having like a big "ICE Out" party or something 
.
. And can we talk about how refreshing it is to see city officials supporting each other and advocating for change in a really positive way? 
It's giving me all the feels! 
. And what about the potential unintended consequences? For example, if local law enforcement agencies start working more closely with City Council on immigration-related issues, how will that impact community trust and cooperation? 
. It's about time we started taking care of our own citizens instead of letting the feds come in and start enforcing their own brand of justice.
if philly can do it why not other cities too? 
the fact that 15 council members can pass this without mayors signature is pretty cool tbh 
i'm curious to see how the other cities follow suit tho 
. The proposed legislation in Philadelphia is a step in the right direction, aiming to limit ICE's presence and restrict their activities that often perpetuate fear and mistrust among local communities 
. The fact that 15 out of 17 council members are backing this bill is a testament to the growing demand for change and a desire to prioritize public safety over federal agendas 
. As we move forward, it's essential to continue this conversation and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all 
