Immigrant Advocates Demand Philadelphia Sheriff Limit ICE Arrests at Courthouse

Advocates present petition with over 5,000 signatures, call for restrictions on ICE presence and activities at the Criminal Justice Center

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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A coalition of immigrant advocacy groups rallied in front of the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, demanding that Sheriff Rochelle Bilal limit arrests by federal immigration enforcement officials outside of the Criminal Justice Center. The advocates presented a petition with over 5,000 signatures and called for measures to restrict ICE's presence and activities at the courthouse.

Why it matters

The issue of ICE arrests at the Philadelphia courthouse has become a flashpoint for immigrant rights advocates, who allege that such arrests have risen over the past year and are undermining the city's 'sanctuary' policies. The advocates are pressuring local officials to take action and ensure the safety of immigrant residents when they visit the courthouse.

The details

The advocates' demands include prohibiting ICE agents from claiming cross-designation with other federal agencies, requiring them to wear visible badges, keeping them off courthouse grounds, and providing monthly public reports on who enters the courthouse from which agencies. Sheriff Bilal said her office does not cooperate with ICE and does not permit arrests in the courthouse, but she lacks legal authority to ban the agency from making arrests outside the building.

  • The rally took place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • Advocates have been raising the issue of increased ICE arrests outside the courthouse since the end of 2023.

The players

Rochelle Bilal

The Philadelphia Sheriff who told reporters that her office does not collaborate with ICE and does not permit arrests in the courthouse, but lacks legal authority to ban the agency from making arrests outside the building.

Erika Guadalupe Núñez

The executive director of the immigrant-rights organization Juntos, which presented the petition to Sheriff Bilal and is part of the coalition of advocates demanding action.

Larry Krasner

The Philadelphia District Attorney who has said his office will prosecute ICE agents who commit crimes and has called for protections at the Criminal Justice Center.

Aniqa Raihan

A volunteer with the organization No ICE Philly, which is part of the advocacy coalition.

Gabrielle Beaudry

A 29-year-old rally attendee and member of No ICE Philly.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.