PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office released a video on Friday saying they are not partnered with Immigration and Customs Enforcement or involved in immigration arrests at Philly courthouses. Local activists hope the message is implemented with local ICE agents.
“Let me be very clear. The Philadelphia Sheriff's Office does not partner with ICE. Our deputies do not assist ICE, share information, or participate in immigration enforcement,” said Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, who shared a post on social media to address concerns about ICE and its presence around Philly courthouses.
Bilal said when ICE agents come into a courthouse, their deputies verify their credentials and make sure they follow all courthouse procedures.
“They are not permitted to make arrests inside the courtroom or anywhere inside the courthouse. Our policy indicates that outside of the building or on public property, we have no legal authority to interfere with any lawful activity — but inside, everyone's rights and safety are protected equally under the law.”
Teo Reyes, the organizing director for Make the Road Pennsylvania, says the message is good, but he hopes ICE follows through.
He said his organization and other volunteers have seen ICE activity near local courthouses, including the Criminal Justice Center in Center City.
“We hope that the sheriff's statement is directed at ICE and shared with ICE agents to let them know that they're not allowed to do that here, in the City of Philadelphia.”
Reyes said he still encourages community members to abide by their court hearings, but to know their rights.
“Make sure not to open doors for any masked people, masked agents who might be trying to come in without a judicial warrant. If there's no judicial warrant, you know, everyone has the right to tell ICE no.”
A spokesperson for ICE did not return KYW’s request for comment.