A US federal judge on Thursday blocked Philadelphia’s “ICE OUT” mandate from taking effect. hold that the law requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to remove masks and display badges circumvents the Constitution’s “clear mandate” to require localities to intervene in federal law enforcement.
In a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit challenging the order’s legality, Trump-appointed Judge Chad Kenney’s decision temporarily blocks enforcement of the bill, which was set to take effect Tuesday, while the lawsuit is pending. Kenney quoted that Priority clause In his order, he emphasized that no state has the power to impede, burden, or alter the instructions of federal agents acting in accordance with constitutional laws enacted by Congress.
The contested one Bill No. 260060 is part of a seven-bill package introduced in January of this year to counter “violent” federal immigration actions, protect civil rights and strengthen Philadelphia’s “legislature.”Welcoming city” Guidelines.
The legislation aims to restrict the city’s cooperation with ICE agents by preventing city officials from sharing residents’ personal information, banning discrimination based on immigration status and banning agents from using city-owned spaces. The controversial portion of the package requires all ICE agents to remain maskless, use marked vehicles and provide identification upon request.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker signed six of the seven bills, but declined to sign Bill 260060, citing one Letter of advice from City Attorney Renee Garcia, who expressed concerns about the legality of the bill, particularly the city’s ability to regulate the conduct of federal officials in carrying out their duties under federal law. Although she was hesitant to sign the bill, she did not veto it, instead allowing it to become law without her signature.
On June 18, the DOJ sued The city of Philadelphia and the Parker administration are seeking an injunction. The complaint alleged that the mandate violated provisions of the Constitution by imposing criminal and civil penalties on federal officials for complying with federal laws governing their official duties.
In his order granting the injunction, Kenney praised Parker for acting with “civic wisdom and the courage” to “stand up for the Constitution and follow the rule of law where it has led,” even though her personal inclinations may have been the opposite.
The bill’s co-sponsor and Minority City Council Chairwoman Kendra Brooks said in a Social media post that the ruling was a “bad decision” and would not stop their work to eliminate the ICE presence in the city.
Philadelphia isn’t the only city trying to introduce anti-ICE laws, as many major cities are trying to brand themselves as “ICE-free zones.” Federal judges have blocked similar anti-mask laws California And Virginiaand the DOJ is awaiting a ruling in its lawsuit against it New Jersey.
