ICE Bill Advances Despite Potentially "Legally Problematic" Language

We’ve been following the progress of a bill that aims to limit how Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers can operate in Philadelphia. If passed, the bill would prohibit ICE from wearing masks and using unmarked vehicles, forbid them from using public spaces to stage operations, and limit how Philadelphia police can aid ICE. The bill has passed out of a committee meeting and will face a final vote in City Council as soon as tomorrow. And Mayor Cherelle Parker has put an end to months of speculation over her support for the bill, saying she will allow it to pass if it comes across her desk – despite lingering concerns from her administration that some language in the bill could pose legal issues. Council members Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau, who introduced the legislation, told us that they aim to make Philadelphia as safe and welcoming as possible. As council members get ready to vote on the bill, we’re revisiting host Trenae Nuri’s conversation with Landau and Brooks. 

This episode originally aired on Feb. 4, 2026. 

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