City Solicitor Vows to Defend Philly's Immigration Policy Against All Challenges

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) Philadelphia is ready to combat any attempts to penalize it over its immigration stances, as stated by the city solicitor during Tuesday’s budget discussion with City Council.

Although Mayor Cherelle Parker has frequently stated that the executive order affirming the city’s authority to reject detainer requests from immigration enforcement remains active, she quickly shifts focus back to her priorities instead of explaining how she plans to handle potential opposition from the Trump administration.

Therefore, Council President Kenyatta Johnson requested that City Solicitor Renee Garcia address an impending challenge.

Garcia informed the Council that she anticipates U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi will send out letters next month to identify those designated as sanctuary cities. However, Garcia mentioned that she isn’t sure whether Philadelphia will receive such a letter.

"We haven’t defined what they consider a sanctuary city. We don’t employ this terminology because it’s often thrown around to unfairly label cities, counties, or states as being complicit in illegal sheltering of individuals without proper documentation," she stated.

Garcia told Council she felt very sure of the legality of the city’s position — that a judicial warrant is necessary before the city can detain anyone.

"We have already taken legal action on this matter. The litigation occurred in both 2017 and 2018. It’s quite evident that they can’t terminate the funding. Should we need to pursue further legal action, we will," she stated.

“We believe we are following the law. We know that we are following the law. Nonetheless, we may get this letter designating us a sanctuary city.”

Garcia mentioned that the city would be granted enough time to reply, and should the Trump administration attempt to cut funding, the city would take legal action through litigation.

"The journey through the legal system is lengthy, yet the courts have truly been intensifying their efforts to uphold the rule of law," she stated.

“That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear,” Johnson replied. “We’re ready for battle.”