Residents urge Pittsburgh council for written policy and protections on ICE enforcement

Multiple residents used the public‑comment period to urge Pittsburgh City Council to adopt a clear written policy and readiness plan for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the city.

Tracy Kirst, a Brookline resident, told council that a mayoral statement that "we will not be working with ICE" is too vague and asked the city to publish a written plan explaining how residents and city staff should respond when ICE is present. "We don't know if we can call the police," she said, and urged a "know your rights" approach to make guidance usable for residents.

Tracy Baton, director of Indivisible Pittsburgh, said the group has tracked many deportations and described due‑process concerns, arguing that the city should "stand with us" and deliver training for both residents and police. Baton said recent federal enforcement has resulted in deaths and injuries in other jurisdictions and insisted the city prepare active protections and legal responses rather than rely on general assurances.

A third speaker, Kate Guiley, urged the city to refuse 287(g) agreements that deputize local authorities for federal immigration enforcement and suggested legislative steps such as requiring ICE officers to wear uniforms and body cameras where lawful and feasible. Commenters said these measures would offer residents more concrete protections and clarity than public statements alone.

Council did not take immediate action on legislation during the meeting; the clerk asked speakers to submit additional materials by email for distribution to members and noted that council will hold additional pre‑agenda interviews later the same day for police and public‑safety nominees.