Council introduces multi-bill "ICE Out" package after hours of public testimony

Philadelphia City Council on Jan. 29 introduced a multi‑part legislative package aimed at restricting immigration‑enforcement activity within city jurisdiction and limiting municipal data and contract cooperation with federal agencies. Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau were cited as authors of the set of measures, broadly described in the titles as creating a non‑intervention chapter in the Philadelphia Code, restricting the collection and use of citizenship and immigration status information, tightening procurement rules for vendors who collaborate with immigration enforcement, and requiring visible identification for officers.

Advocates and residents filled the public‑comment period to press the council to move quickly. Cesar Ruiz de Castilla, a student who identified himself as a child of immigrants, said the package was "long overdue" and recounted reports of deaths in federal custody. Pastor Johnny Rashid told council, "ICE is terror." A range of local groups — including the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, New Sanctuary Movement, Asian Americans United, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Juntos — provided testimony supporting the bills and asking the city to enact protections so immigrants can use libraries, schools and recreation centers without fear.

Councilmember Kendra Brooks framed the package as a local exercise of available powers. "With this iced out legislation, we're doing everything within the city's power to limit ICE activity in Philadelphia," she said during floor remarks. Brooks also said more than 50 local organizations have endorsed the package.

Supporters pointed to recent high‑profile incidents outside Pennsylvania and cited alleged practices including unmarked vehicles, agents not displaying badges, and use of local data to target residents. Former immigration judge Stephen Morley testified that changes at the federal level have left immigrants with fewer procedural protections and that municipal policies can provide safeguards when federal institutions do not.

Councilmembers praised the testimony and signaled next steps. Dr. Nina Ahmad said, "Philadelphia cannot and will not tolerate unlawful practices that terrorize our residents," and multiple members urged committee hearings and intergovernmental coordination. The introduced measures were referred to the appropriate committees for further consideration. No final vote on the ICE Out package occurred during this session; sponsors said they will work the bills through committee and return them to the full council for votes.

The next procedural step is committee referral and hearings; council members asked staff to coordinate outreach and scheduled additional internal briefings. Advocates at the podium urged members to move the package through committee quickly so the city could put local limits on the practices they described as dangerous and dehumanizing.