Immigrant advocacy group urges Philadelphia Mayor Parker to stand firm against Trump’s threats to sanctuary cities.

In a notable effort to advocate for immigrant rights, Bishop David Barrett and Rev. Hugh Shields, representatives of the New Sanctuary Movement, attempted to deliver a letter to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker at City Hall. Their mission, supported by over one hundred clergy signatures, was to urge the mayor to resist pressures from former President Donald Trump regarding the city’s sanctuary policies—critical protective measures for undocumented immigrants.

However, Barrett and Shields did not reach the mayor’s office; they were intercepted by security personnel in the lobby. The security team assured them that their letter would be forwarded to Mayor Parker. Despite this setback, the exchange between the clergy and security was friendly, with lighthearted conversations regarding local sports teams, notably the Philadelphia Eagles.

The representatives expressed uncertainty about when, or if, they might receive a response from the mayor. Since taking office, Parker has maintained a low public profile regarding sanctuary city matters, even as the policies established by her predecessor, Mayor Jim Kenney, remain operational.

The clergy expressed hope for a meeting with Mayor Parker after the letter’s delivery. Shields articulated their intent was not to protest politically, but rather to amplify a moral obligation to speak out on behalf of vulnerable communities.

Clergy members and immigration advocates envisioned collaborating with the Parker administration to protect Philadelphia’s immigrant population. This initiative, however, has not been publicly prioritized. City Solicitor Renee Garcia reaffirmed the city’s commitment to sanctuary policies, stating that the 2016 executive orders on immigration detainers remain effective.

These regulations, enacted during Kenney’s tenure, prohibit local jails from complying with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests, which seek to hold individuals suspected of immigration violations for extended periods. Philadelphia finds itself on the Trump administration’s list of “sanctuary jurisdictions,” a designation that highlights its protective stance toward immigrant communities.

While the Parker administration has occasionally defended its position, it has rarely publicly articulated its strategy in response to Trump’s threats to cut federal funding for cities with such policies. Earlier this year, Garcia indicated a willingness to engage in litigation should the federal government attempt to target Philadelphia’s funding over its immigrant-friendly approach.

The letter from Barrett and Shields commended Mayor Parker for her administration’s legal readiness and urged her to “not back down.” This sentiment resonated during a rally organized by the New Sanctuary Movement, where supporters gathered in a show of solidarity, brandishing signs and sharing fervent speeches. Advocate Elder Melanie DuBose encapsulated the rally’s spirit, encouraging the mayor to pursue her policies with confidence, emphasizing that moral and spiritual support is behind her decision-making.

As the situation evolves, the future of Philadelphia’s sanctuary policies remains a critical point of concern for many residents, clergy, and advocacy groups committed to protecting immigrant rights in the face of shifting political landscapes.