Dozens Protest Possible Changes To Sanctuary City Executive Order In Philadelphia

By Kristen Johanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Dozens of immigration advocates sat in front of City Hall Friday to protest possible changes to Mayor Nutter's Sanctuary City executive order.

Activists want Mayor Nutter to re-commit Philadelphia as a safe place to live for immigrants accused of a crime, meaning without being turned over to the Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Peter Pedemonti is with Executive Director of New Sanctuary Movement and says there has been talk of the city making changes to the order.

"We are here to make sure Nutter keeps the door open for everyone here in Philadelphia."

A year and a half ago, Mayor Nutter signed an order ending ICE holds in the city.

"People are responding to the call of conscience and willing to risk arrest, and willing to put their bodies on the line to say no, and to keep this city open."

A spokesman for Mayor Nutter's office says no decision has been made either way. Jim Kenney takes over as Mayor on January 4th.