PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday published a list of what it labeled “Sanctuary” jurisdictions that it intends to sue if they don’t change their immigration policies. Philadelphia is among them.
In April, President Trump ordered the DOJ and Homeland Security to draw up a list of sanctuary jurisdictions and inform them they’ll be subject to legal action if they don’t cooperate with immigration officials in a range of ways.
The Homeland Security list in May was overly broad and was immediately taken down, but this list is narrower, naming 12 states, four counties, and 18 cities, including Philadelphia.
City Solicitor Renee Garcia said the Justice Department has not contacted the city. She added she’s confident the city complies with federal law.
CIty Councilmember Nina Ahmad said the city should not be intimidated.
“Philadelphia has been a sanctuary city for hundreds of years,” Ahmad said. “We’re on the Underground Railroad, so we have a heritage, we have a value we need to uphold.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker has consistently affirmed the city’s “welcoming” policy and that it won’t detain anyone without a warrant, regardless of immigration status.
City Council member Curtis Jones said he’s proud of the city’s position, though he does expect it to have a cost.
“At great risk to funding, at great risk to retraction of programs, we stand tall on not reneging on the promise of being a sanctuary city,” he said.
Parker has said she won’t let the issue distract her, but the Justice Department appears poised to force the matter. The announcement quotes the attorney general as pledging to sue listed jurisdictions until their policies are “eradicated.”
The DOJ has already sued Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. The Chicago case has been dismissed.