Philadelphia Proposes New Restrictions On ICE Within City

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Leaders in Philadelphia introduced sweeping legislation that would severely restrict the abilities and reach of ICE agents in the city Tuesday, the latest escalation of those efforts following the killing of Alex Pretti in Minnesota over the weekend.

Specifically, the "ICE out" legislation prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks or using unmarked vehicles, prevents ICE from using city property for staging raids, and prohibits city agencies from collaborating with ICE.

That includes police officers, who would no longer be allowed to act as ICE agents in the city.

"In the wake of two fatal shootings by ICE agents in Minneapolis, many Philadelphians are calling for an end to ICE operations in our cities," Philadelphia City Councilmember Rue Landau said in a statement. "This broad package of legislation was modeled on successful national frameworks and local laws from cities across the country, and will enhance public safety by limiting ICE’s presence and formally codify Philadelphia’s 'welcoming city' values into law."

Landau introduced the measure alongside another councilmember, Kendra Brooks. Mayor Cherelle Parker has not yet commented on the legislation.

The bills also ban city employees from granting ICE access to any city property without a warrant, including recreational centers, libraries, and other structures they could use to stage raids or store equipment.

"I want ICE out of our cities," Brooks said. "It's sadly not surprising to be condemning another public execution on their hands and I fear it won't be the last. All of us need to be in the streets protesting this horrific state-sanctioned violence. ICE must be abolished."

The announcement of the bills came Monday as pro-immigration demonstrators joined District Attorney Larry Krasner and other elected officials at City Hall.

"Absolute immunity is not real," Krasner said. "State prosecutors absolutely can and absolutely should bring charges against federal officers who commit crimes within their jurisdiction."

The bills are modeled on legislation used in other parts of the country, the councilpersons added.