Philadelphia declares itself a welcoming city amid funding cut threats from the Trump administration.
Philadelphia, a city that has positioned itself as a leader among sanctuary jurisdictions, has officially transitioned its designation to a “welcoming city.” The announcement, made by the top attorney for Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, reflects a significant shift in language and approach amidst mounting pressure from the Trump administration.
The recent designation follows Philadelphia’s inclusion on a list from the Department of Homeland Security identifying hundreds of so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that are now at risk of losing billions in federal funding. Other municipalities in the Philadelphia metro area also appeared on this list, creating confusion among those that have never established formal immigration policies.
Legal disputes are anticipated as the Trump administration contends that these cities are “deliberately and shamefully” obstructing federal immigration law enforcement. Homeland Security officials have asserted that sanctuary jurisdictions provide protection for criminal undocumented immigrants, thus endangering law enforcement personnel. However, many officials in targeted jurisdictions argue that they simply refrain from using local tax dollars to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They maintain that undocumented individuals are not immune to arrest for local offenses.
The trend of renaming sanctuary cities to “welcoming” cities is emerging across the nation as political leaders adjust their rhetoric in a climate where the term “sanctuary” has become increasingly contentious. Where Democratic leaders once firmly defended sanctuary policies against federal scrutiny, many have moderated their language, choosing terms that they believe better represent local immigration policies.
Philadelphia’s move comes as part of a broader strategy among cities facing similar federal pressure. In fact, the Trump administration’s listing of Philadelphia aligns with the president’s broader goals to escalate deportations, targeting approximately 13 million undocumented residents in the U.S. Many residents in Philadelphia expressed feelings of anxiety and distress following the release of the list, viewing the implications of the designation as a threat to their safety and way of life.
In response to the federal actions, Parker administration officials have clarified that existing policies safeguarding immigrants remain intact. The administration has suggested a willingness to litigate any federal attempts to cut funding as a means of exerting pressure on local jurisdictions.
Amid rising tensions, advocacy groups emphasize the importance of maintaining fundamental protections for immigrants, regardless of labeling. Peter Pedemonti, co-executive director of the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, highlighted the need for action over terminology, urging city officials to defend existing policies that inhibit collaboration with ICE.
Philadelphia’s policy shift has sparked reactions both locally and statewide, underscoring the ongoing battle between federal immigration mandates and local governance. With the release of lists naming numerous jurisdictions as noncompliant with federal immigration enforcement, cities like Philadelphia and others in Pennsylvania remain at the crossroads of policy and eviction efforts stemming from the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration agenda.