PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A veto-proof majority of Philadelphia City Council has signed on to anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement legislation introduced at Thursday’s session.
Advocates packed the chambers and cheered loudly as council members Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau introduced seven “ICE OUT” bills that will, among other things, prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks, driving unmarked cars, staging on city property and failing to identify themselves.
The bills attracted a dozen cosponsors on council.
Undetermined is how the bills would be enforced if they pass.
“It would be up to the police department to enforce those laws,” Landau said.
When prompted with the question, “So you have two armed groups of people facing off against each other, how’s that going to work?” Landau said, “Well, it’s up to the administration to figure out all of the details of enforcement.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker has endorsed the executive orders but has shown she prefers non-confrontation on the issue with the Trump administration. Council President Kenyatta Johnson said he did not think that would be an issue.
“We’ll have hearings, and if there are any issues or concerns from the administration, hopefully they can be addressed, but overall, the majority of members of City Council support this legislation, so we see this legislation successfully voted out,” Kenyatta said.
Only Mike Driscoll and Republican Brian O’Neill didn’t sign on. Driscoll said he supports protections for immigrant families, but has concerns about the bills’ legality. Brooks said she’s ready to defend them.
“We have several lawyers to make sure we can fight this in court, if that’s what happens.”
Featured Image Photo Credit: Philadelphia City Council livestream