1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support the ICE OUT legislative package introduced by Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau. This comprehensive set of bills will strengthen Philadelphia's Welcoming City policies and establish clear boundaries between local government and federal immigration enforcement. The ICE OUT package addresses urgent concerns in our immigrant communities who are living in constant fear. The legislation includes critical protections such as prohibiting ICE agents from concealing their identities with face masks or unmarked vehicles, codifying the ban on 287(g) agreements that would turn local police into ICE agents, and preventing city agencies from collecting or sharing citizenship status information with federal immigration authorities. These measures are not just about immigration policy. They are about public safety and trust. When immigrant residents fear that accessing city services like libraries, health centers, or shelters could lead to deportation, entire families avoid seeking help they need. This makes all Philadelphians less safe. The legislation ensures that city-owned properties cannot be used as staging locations for ICE raids and requires judicial warrants before ICE can access city spaces. The package also prohibits discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status by the City, employers, housing providers, and private businesses. This protects the dignity and rights of all Philadelphia residents regardless of where they were born. This legislation is modeled on successful policies from cities and states across the country. It does everything within the City's power to limit ICE activity in Philadelphia while ensuring local resources are not diverted to support federal immigration enforcement. Organizations including the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, and Make the Road Pennsylvania have collaborated on this package because they understand what our communities need. I ask you to vote yes on the ICE OUT legislative package and stand with immigrant families who call Philadelphia home.