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Clergy Members Block ICE Garage in Philadelphia Protest
Pro-immigrant activists attempt to prevent ICE vehicles from leaving headquarters for arrests
Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:04pm
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Clergy members and pro-immigrant activists take direct action to block ICE vehicles from leaving their Philadelphia headquarters, exposing the ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement in the city.Philadelphia TodayA group of clergy members and pro-immigrant activists locked arms outside an ICE garage in Center City, Philadelphia on Monday morning in an attempt to block vehicles from leaving the agency's headquarters to make arrests. The action was part of 'A Week of Action Against ICE and Collaborators' organized by No ICE Philly and allied groups to bring attention to ongoing immigration arrests and call on people and institutions to protect city residents.
Why it matters
The protest highlights the ongoing tensions between pro-immigrant advocates and ICE operations in Philadelphia, with clergy members and activists taking direct action to disrupt the agency's activities. It reflects the broader debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local authorities in cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
The details
The protest began shortly after 8 a.m. on the south side of Cherry Street, where vehicles exit near Eighth Street. Clergy members from several Philadelphia churches prayed and sang 'We shall not be moved' before taking up positions to block the garage doors. An additional 20 or more protesters also gathered outside the ICE office, shouting slogans and blowing whistles. The clergy members stated they were willing to be arrested for blocking the garage, though no arrests were made during the morning demonstration.
- The protest began shortly after 8 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026.
- A similar protest took place in January 2026, when a group of clergy and immigration advocates locked arms in front of the parking bay.
The players
No ICE Philly
A pro-immigrant advocacy group that has become one of the most active in the city, confronting the sheriff's office over ICE arrests and disrupting area businesses over their support of the federal agency.
Johnny Rashid
Pastor of the West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship who is active in No ICE Philly, the organizer of the 'Week of Action Against ICE and Collaborators'.
What they’re saying
“We want the migrants coming in and out of this building to know that we stand with them, and God stands with them.”
— Johnny Rashid, Pastor, West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship
“We are going to do our best to impeded ICE and how they're harming our community.”
— Johnny Rashid, Pastor, West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship
What’s next
The protest was part of a 'Week of Action Against ICE and Collaborators' organized by No ICE Philly and allied groups, so further actions and demonstrations are likely to continue throughout the week.
The takeaway
The protest by clergy members and pro-immigrant activists highlights the ongoing tensions and activism surrounding ICE operations in Philadelphia, as advocates seek to disrupt the agency's activities and call attention to the impact of immigration enforcement on local communities.
