Watch CBS News

Philadelphia holds "Trump preparedness hearing" after recent executive orders on immigration

As Trump administration's deportation efforts ramp up, Philadelphia holds "preparedness hearing"
As Trump administration's deportation efforts ramp up, Philadelphia holds "preparedness hearing" 02:18

Philadelphia officials met Wednesday to reinforce the city's responsibilities and policies on immigration and address the limits of their power compared to the federal government in light of recent executive orders signed by President Trump early into his second term.

City Council's Committee on Law and Government held a "Trump Preparedness Hearing" to answer several common questions from residents — and stakeholder groups for some communities whose leaders believe are under threat after Mr. Trump signed more than 200 executive orders Trump signed on his first day back in office Monday.

Mr. Trump's orders, including one that aims to end birthright citizenshiphave immigrant communities and other groups in the city on edge. Another order suspends federal funding for so-called "sanctuary cities," which are places that restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Trump administration has also instructed border agents to summarily deport migrants crossing into the country illegally without allowing them to request legal protection like an asylum hearing.

The Philadelphia council hearing sought to affirm the city's commitment to protect immigrant, LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. It began at 10 a.m.  

"We're going to do everything we possibly can, but there might be some times when, if things go the way that we think they're going to go in the Trump administration, there might be some ways in which we won't be able to protect people," At-large Councilmember Rue Landau said.

Some main takeaways from the hearing: officials said the city has not changed its policy to not honor ICE detainer requests and reminded residents that many city departments will not ask for immigration status and are under orders not to disclose anyone's status if they know it.

ICE's detainer requests local agencies to hold someone in custody for up to 48 hours so that ICE agents can pick them up. Under Executive Order No. 5-16, issued during former Mayor Jim Kenney's administration, the city policy is not to comply with ICE detainer requests unless they are supported by a judicial warrant and pertain to a person convicted of a felony involving violence. 

City Solicitor Renee Garcia reinforced that view Wednesday.

"We do not honor detainer requests, and under the law, we do not have to honor detainer requests," Garcia said. "We honor judicial warrants, and that is whether the warrant comes from ICE or the state of New Jersey or the county of Delaware or the country of Brazil."

She also reminded those watching that any city services one needs will likely not collect immigration status. That includes police, fire, homeless services, child protective services and mental health services. 

"We do not collect immigration status unless the particular service requires that status," Garcia said. "For the vast majority of our services, we do not need that information, we do not collect that information."

There's also a confidentiality clause in the order, which states that if the city has someone's immigration status, the city is not to disclose it under the order. There may be subpoenas and they do have to honor those, she added.

Philadelphia asserted its sanctuary city status under Kenney and advocates recently called for Mayor Cherelle Parker to reassert that status. Parker declined to do so forcefully but said Kenney's 2016 executive order still stands.

In an interview Tuesday, Landau said the hearing would focus on fighting fear with facts by explaining what legislation and policies are already in place to protect people and give them what she describes as a sense of reality.

"It's not going to resolve all people's fears," Landau said. "But certainly, having the facts and knowing the laws and the information up front should make people realize a very good sense of reality here for Philadelphia."

The hearing included testimonies from members of marginalized communities and the city solicitor, who talked about what laws and protections are already in place and potential next steps.

Philadelphia's Office of Immigrant Affairs executive director resigns

The executive director of Philadelphia's Office of Immigrant Affairs is resigning, according to Mayor Cherelle Parker's office.

OIA Executive Director Amy Eusebio will leave her position on Friday, the Philadelphia mayor said.

Eusebio joined the city's government as the municipal ID program director in 2018 and became the executive director of OIA in 2019.

"I thank Amy for her service to our City and especially for her service to the immigrant community," Parker said in a statement. "Amy has worked diligently to make sure Philadelphia is a welcoming place to people from all walks of life."

Philadelphia immigrant community on edge

Olivia Ponce is originally from Mexico but has called Philadelphia home for 23 years. She's concerned with the Trump administration's actions and if the city is doing enough. 

"I'm a case manager and some people come to me and they give me a hug and they told me, 'I'm afraid,'" Ponce said. "How can I tell the people don't be afraid? You are in your house. Philadelphia is your house. Philadelphia is my house. Philadelphia protect you if I'm not sure about that."

CBS News Philadelphia spoke with an Indonesian native on Tuesday who came to South Philly when he was 9 years old. He said he has the legal documentation to work here and is now trying to get a green card, but fears it may never come, with Mr. Trump now in his second presidency.

"I think the best way to describe it, it's scary, it's anxiety-inducing and we're playing it day by day for the next four years," he said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.