Philadelphia, PA − January 29, 2025 —Today members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly representing districts in Philadelphia and members of Philadelphia City Council issued a statement in response to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) raid on a small business in the city conducted on Tuesday, January 28. The full statement is as follows:
“All of us, whether we were born in the United States or have made this country our home, understand the hard work and sacrifice needed to provide for our families and loved ones. We’re heartbroken to learn of ICE raids in communities across the country, and we’re outraged to learn that ICE officers here in Philadelphia raided a local business and arrested seven workers. These are seven neighbors, seven family members, seven people who had the courage and the tenacity to move and build a better life.
“We have seen this before. MAGA Republican leaders and the billionaires that prop them up seek to divide us based on our races and backgrounds, sowing division as they separate families, attack workers and small businesses, threaten lifesaving federal programs, and destabilize our communities. Violent raids and deportations bring fear and chaos to our neighborhoods, making all Philadelphians less safe. These acts have no place in this city, and our offices are committed to using our power to protect immigrant communities.
“In these moments, it is absolutely vital that all of us know our rights, and that we feel confident and ready to exercise them. Here in Philadelphia, New Sanctuary Movement, Juntos, and other immigrants’ rights organizations have supported communities in defending our neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones for years. This is work all of us must continue to build a world of safe and connected communities where we can all flourish.”
The complete list of signatories (included in alphabetical order) is as follows:
- Kendra Brooks, City Councilmember (At-Large)
- Danilo Burgos, State Representative (District 197)
- Andre Carroll, State Representative (District 201)
- Morgan Cephas, State Representative (District 192)
- Elizabeth Fiedler, State Representative (District 184)
- Jose Giral, State Representative (District 180)
- Art Haywood, State Senator (District 4)
- Joseph Hohenstein, State Representative (District 177)
- Vincent Hughes, State Senator (District 7)
- Mary Isaacson, State Representative (District 175)
- Malcolm Kenyatta, State Representative (District 181)
- Tarik Khan, State Representative (District 194)
- Rick Krajewski, State Representative (District 188)
- Rue Landau, City Councilmember (At-Large)
- Nicolas O’Rourke, City Councilmember (At-Large)
- Chris Rabb, State Representative (District 200)
- Nikil Saval, State Senator (District 1)
- Sharif Street, State Senator (District 3)
- Christine Tartaglione, State Senator (District 2)
- Ben Waxman, State Representative (District 182)
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