Philly mayor green-lights new ICE restrictions
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Federal immigration operations in Philadelphia must soon operate under strict new restrictions, including a ban on masks and limits on accessing city property.
The big picture: Philly joins a growing group of cities pushing back on the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Driving the news: Mayor Cherelle Parker has signed a series of six so-called "ICE Out" bills that outline the new regulations.
- Another bill, which prohibits law enforcement from wearing a mask or facial covering to obscure their identity, will also take effect. Parker neither signed nor vetoed it.
- The bills go into effect in 60 days.
Between the lines: The city has limited its cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for years under an executive order.
- But the new laws go further and prevent Parker or any future mayors from rescinding that order.
The intrigue: Whether the bills are a paper tiger remains uncertain. That's because:
1. Federal agents may not be subject to some local laws — a question now being tested in court.
- The Trump administration recently sued New Jersey officials over the Garden State's law banning ICE agents from wearing masks while on duty.
2. It's unclear whether Parker will pressure police to enforce the rules.
What they're saying: A Philly police spokesperson tells Axios the department is conferring with the city's law department about the legislation.
- City Solicitor Renee Garcia said in a letter dated yesterday to the mayor that implementing a face mask ban for law enforcement officers presents "significant legal and operational challenges," and could be construed as interfering with federal immigration enforcement.
The other side: A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security tells Axios that, "Enforcing federal immigration laws is a clear federal responsibility" and that "we will not abide by unconstitutional bans."
- "Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers," the spokesperson added.
Zoom in: The new laws will:
- Ban immigration agents from using city-owned property as staging areas for enforcement activities without a warrant
- Lay out how and when city agencies and officials can coordinate with immigration enforcement, like giving access to city databases
- Prevent Philly police from partnering with federal officials on immigration enforcement
What we're watching: Whether the Trump administration challenges Philly's new laws in court.