PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said he welcomes a congressional hearing in Washington to discuss the Republican Party’s criticism of the city’s immigration policies.
“I’m available next week, Chairman Jordan. How about the week after? We’ve got a lot of weeks before November, Chairman Jordan, let’s go!” Krasner said.
The Republican Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan, sent a letter to Krasner, the police commissioner and the sheriff that read, “We write to request information about your office’s sanctuary policies, which ultimately endanger the communities you serve.”
Krasner said, “In essence, this letter accuses the Philadelphia DA’s office of increasing crime. We all know that is completely false.”
Krasner said he has spoken with the city’s attorney and the sheriff.
The sheriff’s office had no comment. The city told our newsgathering partners at NBC10 the solicitor will handle a response to the committee’s request.
Last week, Mayor Cherelle Parker signed most of the package of legislation that puts curbs on how ICE agents can operate in the city.
Parker signed six bills that mostly mirrored an executive order already in effect prohibiting discrimination based on immigration status, along with bills barring ICE operations on city-owned and community spaces.
On the advice of the Law Department, Parker did not sign the bill that forbids law enforcement from concealing their identities through masks, covered badges or unmarked cars. The Law Department said such efforts have lost in courts because the city doesn’t have authority over state and federal officers when they’re carrying out their duties.
However, the mayor didn’t veto the bill, so it will become law.