Philadelphia Prepares 'ICE Out' Plan to Fight Back Against Federal Immigration Agents

City aims to protect residents and empower local law enforcement to arrest federal agents without warrants

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:55am

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Philadelphia has developed an ambitious plan, called the 'ICE Out' legislation, to protect the city from potential aggressive actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The plan includes banning federal agents from using face masks, requiring badges, prohibiting local police from cooperating with ICE, and preventing businesses from refusing service based on immigration status.

Why it matters

Philadelphia is concerned it could be the next target for ICE's 'violent attacks' after the agency's controversial actions in Minneapolis. The city is worried about President Trump's 'deep contempt' for Philadelphia and his past efforts to interfere with the 2020 election vote counting there.

The details

The 'ICE Out' plan would ban federal agents without judicial warrants from all city property, including schools, courts, and hospitals. It would also allow the city's District Attorney to prosecute any ICE officers who break state and local laws. During a rally announcing the bill, District Attorney Larry Krasner vowed to 'hunt down' ICE agents the way 'Nazis were hunted for decades'.

  • Philadelphia has developed the 'ICE Out' plan in anticipation of potential future ICE actions in the city.

The players

Larry Krasner

Philadelphia's District Attorney, who denounced the 'small bunch of wannabe Nazis' that Trump is unleashing on cities and promised to prosecute any ICE officers who break state and local laws.

Cherelle Parker

The Mayor of Philadelphia, who will play a key role in determining how the city responds to any potential ICE actions.

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What they’re saying

“If we have to hunt you down the way they hunted down Nazis for decades, we will find your identities. We will find you. We will achieve justice.”

— Larry Krasner, District Attorney (Salon)

What’s next

The success of Philadelphia's 'ICE Out' plan will depend on the willingness of Mayor Cherelle Parker to stand up to the Trump administration and the ability of local law enforcement to effectively resist any federal immigration enforcement actions.

The takeaway

Philadelphia's proactive approach to protecting its residents from potential ICE overreach highlights the growing tensions between local governments and the federal immigration enforcement apparatus under the Trump administration. The city's plan to empower local law enforcement and restrict ICE's activities could set an example for other municipalities looking to assert their autonomy and defend immigrant communities.