Activists protest against ICE arrests at a Philadelphia courthouse.

On a recent Friday morning, demonstrators gathered outside the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice in Philadelphia, voicing their concerns regarding immigration policies and the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in local courthouses. The rally, organized by the immigrant advocacy group Juntos, was prompted by an incident earlier in the week where an ICE agent was filmed restraining an individual outside the Philadelphia justice center. Eyewitness accounts reported loud screams from bystanders who feared for the man’s well-being.

The rally aimed to reinforce the sentiment that Philadelphia should remain a safe haven for immigrants, an idea underscored by chants of “say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here.” Participants expressed frustration over recent actions by ICE, which have intensified scrutiny over the city’s sanctuary policies. Abby English, a rally attendee, highlighted the disconnection between the city’s proclaimed sanctuary status and the enforcement practices occurring under the federal government’s direction.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration has opted for the term “welcoming city” rather than “sanctuary city,” a move that has drawn criticism from advocates who argue for a more robust defense of immigrant rights. English noted that local government must do more to protect immigrants and denounce federal actions that disproportionately impact this vulnerable community.

The controversy surrounding ICE’s operations in Philadelphia has raised important questions about the effectiveness of the city’s public policy commitments to immigrant protection, especially after the agency has made its presence felt during court proceedings. These actions coincide with federal assertions that sanctuary jurisdictions would face funding cuts for not complying with federal immigration laws.

Erika Guadalupe, Executive Director of Juntos, denounced the narrative that categorizes immigrants as “good” or “bad” based on criminal records, arguing that an individual’s past should not allow them to be dehumanized or subjected to extreme force by immigration officers.

The rally drew a mixed crowd of supporters, including Lenore Ramos, a Juntos community defense organizer, who spoke about the dire conditions faced by individuals in immigration detention centers, where reports of inadequate medical care and racial discrimination have surfaced.

As the national dialogue around immigration continues to shift, with public support for stringent immigration policies waning, events like this rally highlight the ongoing tensions in urban centers struggling to balance federal immigration enforcement with the commitment to community safety and inclusion. The emotional toll of these federal policies is palpable among community members, who call for decisive actions from local leadership in the face of escalating detainment and enforcement practices.

The overarching message of the rally remains clear: the community stands united against practices perceived as unjust, advocating for a future where all individuals can exist free from fear of displacement.