Resolution 250171
Recognizing the critical importance of legal representation in protecting the rights of immigrants when interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and encouraging all immigrant serving organizations to promote legal resources.
Introduced by
From the floor
Passages in the official transcripts that cite this file number. Every quote links to its exact place in the record.
“…nt of Government Efficiency, DOGE, if you will of dismantling the federal government. I also oppose resolution 250171, which supports legal representation for illegal immigrants. Apparently Democrat councilmembers don't mind dismantling our immigration laws through their illegal sanctuary city policies, but they really don't like it when Elon Musk and his band of young techies dismantle a massive amount of federal wa…”
Ms. Landis · Stated Meeting, March 6, 2025 · Mar 6, 2025 · official transcript, this passage
“…r 35 years. My office is across the street. I'm also an 8th Ward Councilmember. I'm here to support Bill No. 250171 by Councilmember Ahmad. I'd like to thank Councilmember for proposing this bill. I think it's very important to show the city's support for residents of their community. We all know the fear and confusion in the immigrant community coming from Washington today. And I think it's important for us to show …”
Mr. Ellenburg · Stated Meeting, March 6, 2025 · Mar 6, 2025 · official transcript, this passage
“…Landau's work to hold a hearing on our city's preparedness to Councilmember Ahmad's introduction of resolution 250171 your efforts are critical to keep the spotlight on this issue. Sixty-five percent of people who were processed by the Philadelphia Immigration Court since October 2019 had no legal representation at all, but with your support we hope to change that. Our office already works closely with HYAS and the N…”
Ms. Parker · Stated Meeting, March 6, 2025 · Mar 6, 2025 · official transcript, this passage
“Obona Haggins, fourth generation, chattel slavery survivor. Today this body considers Bill No. 250171, a resolution recognizing the importance of legal representation in protecting the rights of immigrants when interacting with ICE. Legal representation is indeed critical when individuals face government action, however, I must ask where is the legal representation for American Freedmen, who have suffered systematic …”
Mr. Haggins · Stated Meeting, March 6, 2025 · Mar 6, 2025 · official transcript, this passage
“…yes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250171?”
Council President Johnson · Stated Meeting, March 6, 2025 · Mar 6, 2025 · official transcript, this passage
“The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250171.”
Council President Johnson · Stated Meeting, March 6, 2025 · Mar 6, 2025 · official transcript, this passage
Status timeline
- Feb 27, 2025Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar · CITY COUNCIL
This Resolution was Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar.
- Mar 6, 2025ADOPTED · CITY COUNCIL
This Resolution was ADOPTED.
Official documents
Documents open on the City of Philadelphia’s legislative site.
Full text
Read the full text as published
..Title Recognizing the critical importance of legal representation in protecting the rights of immigrants when interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and encouraging all immigrant serving organizations to promote legal resources. ..Body WHEREAS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement actions continue to create fear and instability among immigrant communities in the City of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, Immigrants often face complex and intimidating legal proceedings that can have life-altering consequences, including detention and deportation, without access to adequate legal representation; and WHEREAS, According to the National Immigrant Justice Center, detained immigrants are 11 times more likely to pursue relief when they have legal counsel and twice as likely to obtain relief compared to those without legal counsel; and WHEREAS, Many immigrants are unaware of their legal rights when confronted by ICE and may unknowingly waive protections available to them under the law; and WHEREAS, Ensuring access to legal representation is a fundamental issue of due process and justice, and providing City-supported and non-profit resources, including legal defense funds, pro bono services, and know-your-rights training, is essential to safeguarding immigrant communities; and WHEREAS, Promoting legal assistance hotlines and expanding partnerships with nonprofit legal organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Philadelphia Legal Assistance, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania will help Philadelphia residents access timely and effective legal counsel when faced with ICE enforcement actions; and WHEREAS, Public defenders at the Defender Association of Philadelphia are working to establish an Immigration Defense Unit, which will play a crucial role in protecting the rights of immigrants who find themselves entangled in the criminal justice system. The IDU will stand ready to represent immigrant communities in Philadelphia experiencing unjust outcomes by providing expert legal counsel and fighting deportation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes the critical importance of legal representation in protecting immigrant communities and urges its residents to use legal resources when facing ICE enforcement; and FURTHER RESOLVED, City Council works to increase awareness of available legal services, including the promotion of hotlines and legal aid organizations, to ensure that every resident, regardless of immigration status, has access to legal counsel; and FINALLY RESOLVED, Philadelphia City Council reaffirms its commitment to ensuring due process for all immigrants, standing against unjust immigration enforcement practices, and advocating for policies that protect Philadelphia's immigrant communities. ..End