Philadelphia Activists and Lawmakers Join 'ICE Out' Movement

Grassroots protests and city council legislation aim to limit ICE operations in the city

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Minneapolis and across the country have sparked both grassroots and legal resistance in many urban centers, including Philadelphia. Hundreds of people took to the streets to protest ICE killings and demand the agency be abolished, while Philadelphia City Council members introduced a package of 'ICE OUT' bills to strengthen the city's sanctuary policies. The legislative effort, supported by over two-thirds of the council, would make Philadelphia one of the cities with the most rigorous local constraints on federal immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

The growing 'ICE Out' movement in Philadelphia reflects broader national tensions over immigration policy and the role of federal agencies like ICE. While the city has long been considered a sanctuary jurisdiction, the proposed legislation would codify those protections into law and further limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. This conflict between local, state, and federal authority over immigration matters is playing out in cities across the U.S.

The details

On Jan. 30, hundreds protested in Philadelphia in support of a national shutdown movement against ICE, organized by the local chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. The march from City Hall to 30th Street Station drew a large crowd despite winter weather. Meanwhile, Philadelphia City Council members introduced a package of seven 'ICE OUT' bills to strengthen the city's sanctuary policies, including measures limiting information-sharing and barring officials from fulfilling ICE detainment requests without a court order. The legislation, drafted with local immigrant rights groups, has the support of 15 of the council's 17 members, enough to override a potential mayoral veto.

  • The protest march took place on January 30, 2026.
  • The City Council introduced the 'ICE OUT' legislation on January 29, 2026.

The players

Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL)

A nationwide left-wing political party that organized the protest march in Philadelphia.

Talia Giles

One of the organizers and speakers at the protest demonstration.

Kendra Brooks

Philadelphia City Council member and Minority Leader who introduced the 'ICE OUT' legislation.

Rue Landau

Philadelphia City Council member At-Large who co-sponsored the 'ICE OUT' legislation.

Lynn Landes

A local Republican activist who testified against the 'ICE OUT' legislation.

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What they’re saying

“Initially, I think a lot of us were hoping that maybe other students in Philly and other businesses would kind of take the lead, but [PSL] didn't see anything happening. So we figured that we would call another protest on Friday to just demonstrate that solidarity, and also to push back against what's going on in this country.”

— Talia Giles, Protest organizer (The Phoenix)

“The scripture says love your neighbor, it does not say love only your documented neighbor.”

— Rev. Gregory G. Holston, Methodist pastor (The Phoenix)

“It is basically undermining the federal law.”

— Lynn Landes, Local Republican activist (The Phoenix)

What’s next

The Philadelphia City Council is expected to vote on the 'ICE OUT' legislative package in the coming weeks. If approved, the bills would make Philadelphia one of the cities with the most stringent local restrictions on federal immigration enforcement operations.

The takeaway

The growing 'ICE Out' movement in Philadelphia reflects the broader national debate over the role of federal immigration agencies and the authority of local governments to limit their activities. While the legal boundaries are contested, the grassroots protests and legislative efforts demonstrate the strong community opposition to ICE tactics in the city.