Philadelphia Passes 'ICE Out' Bills Despite Legal Concerns

City officials say some measures are 'legally problematic' but will not block the veto-proof legislation.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:40pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of blue, grey, and red, conceptually representing the tension and conflict between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement policies.Philadelphia's 'ICE Out' bills aim to restrict federal immigration enforcement activities in the city, despite legal concerns from local officials.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia City Council has passed a package of seven bills known as the 'ICE Out' legislative package, which aims to restrict the activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the city. The measures include prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks or using unmarked vehicles, banning collaboration between city agencies and ICE, and barring ICE from conducting raids on city-owned properties. While city officials have expressed concerns about the 'legally problematic' language in some of the bills, they have indicated they will not try to block the legislation, which has veto-proof support in the council.

Why it matters

The 'ICE Out' bills reflect the city's efforts to protect its large immigrant population and limit the federal government's immigration enforcement activities within Philadelphia. The measures are part of a broader trend of 'sanctuary city' policies adopted by local governments across the U.S. in response to the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants. However, the city's acknowledgment of potential legal issues with some of the bills highlights the ongoing tensions and legal battles between local and federal authorities over immigration policy.

The details

The 'ICE Out' legislative package includes seven bills that would impose various restrictions on ICE agents operating in Philadelphia. The measures would prohibit ICE agents and other law enforcement officers from wearing masks or using unmarked vehicles, require them to display badges, ban city agencies from collaborating with ICE, prohibit the collection and sharing of information on people's immigration status, and bar ICE from conducting raids on city-owned properties. While the city's Office of Immigrant Affairs said the administration 'wholeheartedly supports' one of the bills, it also acknowledged that six of the seven proposals contained 'legally problematic' language that is being reviewed by city lawyers.

  • The City Council is expected to hold a final vote on the 'ICE Out' bills on April 23, 2026.
  • If passed, Mayor Cherelle Parker would have 10 days to take action on the bills.
  • The bills would go into effect 60 days after becoming law.

The players

Rue Landau

A Philadelphia City Councilmember who introduced several of the 'ICE Out' bills.

Kendra Brooks

A Philadelphia City Councilmember who spearheaded the 'ICE Out' legislative package along with Landau.

Larry Krasner

The Philadelphia District Attorney who has said he will prosecute ICE agents and other federal officers who violate local laws, although he has never done so.

Cherelle Parker

The Mayor of Philadelphia, who has generally declined to discuss ICE-related issues and has not indicated whether she will sign the 'ICE Out' bills into law.

Charlie Elison

The executive director of the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs, who acknowledged the city's concerns about the 'legally problematic' language in some of the 'ICE Out' bills.

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What they’re saying

“This legislation draws a clear line. Philadelphia will not be complicit with policies that undermine the safety and dignity of our neighbors. Philadelphia will not use our resources to destabilize communities. Philadelphia will not turn its back on the very people who make this city.”

— Rue Landau, Philadelphia City Councilmember

“I reject the notion that if we somehow stay silent, we will remain in the good graces of the Trump administration. Furthermore, if we are more worried about poking the bear than protecting our own, we are letting our city be bullied, and that's unacceptable in the city as gritty as ours.”

— Kendra Brooks, Philadelphia City Councilmember

“We understand and appreciate the intent behind this legislation. Notably, the anti-masking bill applies to all officers at the local, state and federal levels, and similar bills are in litigation in other states.”

— Charlie Elison, Executive Director, Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs

What’s next

The Philadelphia City Council is expected to hold a final vote on the 'ICE Out' bills on April 23, 2026. If passed, Mayor Cherelle Parker will have 10 days to decide whether to sign the bills into law, allow them to become law without her signature, or veto them. The bills would go into effect 60 days after becoming law.

The takeaway

The 'ICE Out' legislative package in Philadelphia reflects the city's ongoing efforts to protect its immigrant communities and limit federal immigration enforcement activities, despite concerns from city officials about the legal viability of some of the proposed measures. The debate highlights the broader tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration policy in the U.S.