Committee of the Whole 4-13-26

The Philadelphia City Council Committee of the Whole held a public hearing on April 13, 2026, to discuss a comprehensive package of seven bills aimed at restricting immigration enforcement activities within the city. The legislation, known as the "ICE Out" package, includes provisions to prohibit city employees, contractors, and subcontractors from requesting or sharing information about immigration status, bar city contracts with entities that cooperate with immigration enforcement, restrict the use of city property for immigration enforcement, and require law enforcement officers to visibly display their identification. The administration testified in support of the bills, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect immigrant communities, including enhanced funding for immigrant legal services and language access programs. The police department outlined new policies and training plans to ensure officers do not assist immigration enforcement beyond legally required actions. Community and advocacy groups provided testimony emphasizing the fear and harm caused by immigration enforcement and urged the council to pass the legislation and invest in community-based support services. The council members discussed the importance of implementation, training, and the need for the city to lead in providing "know your rights" education. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during the meeting, but the administration noted plans to update city contracts to protect personal information related to immigration status.