Philadelphia’s Status as a Sanctuary City: What it Means
Philadelphia has been a Sanctuary City since 2016. This means it’s one of the safest places in the world to be while you try to work out your immigration issues and find a legal pathway to lawful permanent residency.
Here’s what that means: there’s no collaboration between the Philadelphia Police Department and Customs Enforcement.
Local police officers don’t help ICE round up or arrest migrants. This may confuse you as ICE often wears plain jackets that say “Police” when making arrests, but they aren’t the Philadelphia PD.
They also won’t participate in “ICE Holds,” which were 48-hour holds of noncitizens who would have otherwise been released from police custody or jail. If ICE wants someone who is in the jail they must present a signed judicial warrant that will force the police to keep them.
However, living in a sanctuary city does not mean you are 100% safe. ICE still does pull people over, even during the Biden era. They still knock on doors and they still pursue people they wish to deport. They’ve been known to engage in racial profiling as well. They’ve even been known to stop people on the streets.
Nevertheless you do have rights.
- Don’t lie or give false documents to ICE, but recognize you do have the right to remain silent.
- Assert that right. Say it out loud. “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
- If they ask your name you must give that, but that is the only information you must give.
- Do not consent to a search. If ICE starts to search you say out loud that you do ot consent to a search.
- Ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes say, “I do not wish to answer your questions.” If they say no, assert your right to remain silent and say you want a lawyer.
Do not speak at all until your immigration lawyer is with you.
Knowing your rights does work both to prevent arrests and to help defend you against a deportation. Having a pre-chosen immigration attorney that you can call is a smart move as well.
If you or a loved one are facing deportation, contact Hykel Law today. Our experienced deportation defense firm can help, and we’re right here in a city who has welcomed immigrants from around the world.
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