Council adopts resolution urging U.S. senators to oppose increased ICE funding after heated public comment
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Summary
Philadelphia City Council adopted resolution 260066 urging U.S. senators to vote no on HR 7147 (increasing DHS/ICE funding). The public-comment period included sharply divided testimony for and against the resolution, with immigrant-serving groups warning of harms from ICE enforcement and others calling for stricter enforcement.
Philadelphia City Council voted to adopt resolution 260066 on Feb. 5, which urges U.S. senators to oppose HR 7147, a federal appropriations measure the resolution characterized as providing increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Councilmember Rue Landau moved the adoption; the motion was seconded and the council approved the resolution by voice vote. The resolution text, as read into the record, urged U.S. senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick and others "committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law to vote no on HR 7147 and to reject increased funding for immigration and customs enforcement." The resolution also characterizes the proposed increase as roughly $10,000,000,000 for ICE and calls for oversight.
Public comment ahead of the vote showcased a sharp split of views. Robin Morris, executive director of the Garces Foundation, said fear of ICE enforcement has driven immigrant clients away from workforce and health programs: "This fear is being driven by the unlawful and inhumane actions of ICE... We have seen families separated," Morris said, urging the council to support resolution 260066. By contrast, Lynn Landis (representing safestreetsphilly.org and the Philly Republican network) said the anti-ICE resolution "is a blatant reversal of the facts" and criticized sanctuary policies; the council president cautioned Landis against using the term "aliens" in the chamber.
Other public commenters urged either support for the resolution or a strengthening of enforcement; John McAuley of Flip Philly Red urged senators to support HR 7147. Councilmembers responding after public comment emphasized unity against hate speech and support for diverse communities; several members specifically noted support for Jewish and other minority communities after contentious remarks in public comment.
Why it matters: The adopted resolution signals Philadelphia City Council’s public stance against increased ICE funding and aims to press federal elected officials; it reflects local concerns about immigrant safety and about federal enforcement priorities. The item drew robust public comment from community groups and partisan voices.
The resolution was adopted by voice vote. The council recorded the customary acknowledgment that Member Brooks voted yes on all bills and resolutions she had not previously recorded.