Philly Councilmembers Unveil 'ICE OUT' Legislation to Protect Residents

New bills aim to curb ICE abuses and collaboration with local law enforcement

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Philadelphia City Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau announced a legislative package called 'ICE OUT' that would prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE, ban the use of city property for ICE raids, and protect residents from discrimination based on immigration status. The proposal has been endorsed by over 40 local organizations.

Why it matters

The legislation is a response to growing concerns about ICE's aggressive tactics and collaboration with local police, which advocates say have created a climate of fear and undermined public safety in immigrant communities. The bills aim to reassert Philadelphia's status as a sanctuary city and protect residents' constitutional rights.

The details

The 'ICE OUT' package would ban ICE agents from concealing their identities, require them to wear badges, prohibit local police from acting as ICE agents, and block city agencies from sharing data or collaborating with ICE. It would also prevent ICE from using city-owned property for raids and stop city employees from providing ICE access to city spaces without a warrant.

  • The legislation is slated to be introduced in City Council on January 29, 2026.
  • The announcement event was held on January 27, 2026 in below-freezing temperatures.

The players

Kendra Brooks

Philadelphia City Councilmember who co-sponsored the 'ICE OUT' legislation.

Rue Landau

Philadelphia City Councilmember who co-sponsored the 'ICE OUT' legislation.

Larry Krasner

Philadelphia District Attorney who spoke at the announcement event.

Elena Emelchin Brunner

Immigrant rights organizer with Asian Americans United who described ICE raids targeting Asian community members.

María Serna

Organizer with Make the Road Pennsylvania who spoke about the mental health impacts of ICE enforcement on immigrant families.

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What they’re saying

“Fear is not public safety. Trust is.”

— Rue Landau, Philadelphia City Councilmember

“We are witnessing a state of attack on our community that I never thought possible. Philadelphians deserve to be free from state violence masquerading as public safety.”

— Erika Guadalupe Nunez, Executive Director of Juntos

“We are the ones who believe in law and order. They are the ones who believe in crime and disorder.”

— Larry Krasner, Philadelphia District Attorney

What’s next

The 'ICE OUT' legislation is scheduled to be introduced in Philadelphia City Council on January 29, 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed 'ICE OUT' legislation aims to reassert Philadelphia's status as a sanctuary city and protect immigrant residents from the aggressive tactics and civil rights abuses of ICE, which advocates say have undermined public safety and trust in local government.