Former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney states that sanctuary cities are a common sense approach to community safety and support.
Former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has recently voiced staunch support for the city’s sanctuary city policy, describing it as a pragmatic and sensible response to a flawed immigration system increasingly manipulated for political gain by the Trump administration. In an op-ed featured in the Washington Post, Kenney articulated his belief that, amid the absence of effective federal immigration reform, local leaders must take action to ensure the well-being of their communities.
Kenney, who served as mayor until his term concluded in 2023, emphasized that the policy was not only a necessary choice but also a moral one, stating his background as a descendant of Irish immigrants influenced his perspective. The op-ed marks a rare public commentary from Kenney since leaving office, especially as current Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has adopted a more restrained approach to the immigration discourse, particularly in the face of escalating pressure from federal immigration agents.
Recent incidents, particularly U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles, have ignited substantial public outcry, leading to heightened tensions as President Trump dispatched military support against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Kenney addressed the situation by commending Newsom for opposing what he characterized as “domestic tyranny,” echoing concerns shared by many local leaders about protecting civil rights in their jurisdictions.
In Philadelphia, law enforcement officials have established a policy of not acting on ICE detainers without a warrant, yet federal immigration enforcement continues unabated. Reports indicate a rise in ICE raids within the region, which has raised alarm among immigrant communities. Kenney underscored that if the Philadelphia Police Department has custody of an undocumented immigrant suspected of a crime, ICE can obtain a judicial warrant for their transfer, highlighting the necessity for due process in these proceedings.
The sanctuary policy aims to alleviate fears that may hinder undocumented individuals from seeking medical care or reporting crimes. Kenney estimated that approximately 50,000 undocumented individuals reside within Philadelphia, a city with a total population of 1.5 million. His advocacy during his tenure sought to foster a welcoming environment for these residents.
While current Mayor Parker’s administration has distanced itself from the term “sanctuary,” opting instead to promote Philadelphia as a “welcoming” city, the legal framework supporting the policy remains intact. Parker’s administration has committed to upholding the existing policy despite the evolving nomenclature.
As Philadelphia navigates challenges from the federal government regarding potential funding cuts for its sanctuary status, Kenney’s perspective urges Democratic leaders to engage openly in discussions surrounding immigration, devoid of divisive rhetoric. His assertion that maintaining an inclusive approach is both politically astute and morally sound remains a poignant call to action for those in leadership positions.
As of this week, Philadelphia has yet to receive any formal communication from federal authorities concerning significant funding changes, despite recent developments that saw the sanctuary city designation removed from the Department of Homeland Security’s public resources. The situation continues to unfold as local and national discourse on immigration policy remains pivotal.
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