Protecting Pennsylvanians from ICE
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
What to Know
The way we are seeing ICE operate and be used by the federal government is wrong and dangerous. It is doing nothing to make us safer, protect our freedoms, or improve affordability, economic opportunity or the overall quality of life in our communities.
What I’m Doing
State Senators and Representatives serving in the Pennsylvania Legislature in Harrisburg (not the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.) do NOT have control over or the opportunity to vote on federal issues, such as immigration policy or the Department of Homeland Security budget.
I do support and have co-sponsored state legislation that aims to address the negative impacts of ICE on our communities, including:
- Affirming the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and condemning the use of deadly force by federal Immigration Enforcement Officers. Learn more.
- Senate Bill 1071 – Requiring officers and agents to wear clearly visible identification (and uniform and badge with name, badge number, and department or agency) and prohibiting them from wearing masks, facial coverings, or other garments that obscure their identity.
- Creating Pennsylvania’s first licensing and inspection system for any detention facility operating in the Commonwealth—ensuring enforceable standards for safety, transparency, and humane treatment, and holding operators accountable for violations. Learn more.
- Strengthening the authority of state and local jurisdictions to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute alleged criminal conduct including incidents involving the use of excessive force by federal agents. Learn more.
- Strengthening state criminal and civil penalties for knowingly destroying, concealing, or manipulating evidence, or otherwise interfering with a lawful state investigation. Learn more.
- Prohibiting indiscriminate tactics of arrest and detainment by law enforcement acting within this Commonwealth. Learn more.
- Preventing civil immigration arrests by federal immigration authorities inside, or within 1,000 feet of Commonwealth owned or leased facilities unless supported by a judicial order. Learn more.
- Prohibiting law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from using state and local resources to conduct immigration enforcement on behalf of the federal government. Learn more.
- Allowing Pennsylvanians to address federal actions that violate their constitutional rights through our state court system. Learn more.
As Americans and Pennsylvanians, we deserve law enforcement agents who are highly trained and professional, operate openly, transparently and fairly, and work in the interest of public safety – deescalating conflicts and dangerous situations, not causing more chaos and violence.
How You Can Help
Make your voice heard! Contact your federal representatives in Congress. You are represented by one U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators
Ensure that others know their rights and have access to resources and info: (See below)
Review the rapid response resources in your community reporting ICE activity and supporting impacted families.
Maintain civility, respect, and be cognizant of your own safety and that of others. In exercising our freedoms to assemble and speak, I encourage you to do so peacefully,while respecting our laws, neighbors, and communities. Threats, violence, and property damage have no place in peaceful protest and nonviolent resistance.
Resources
These documents serve as a vital resource for protecting constitutional rights during interactions with immigration agents. While they do not constitute legal advice (if you need legal advice, contact an attorney), they outline essential rights that both citizens and non-citizens have. The document provides clear, actionable guidance for individuals who may face immigration enforcement situations, including:
- The right to remain silent and not answer questions
- The right to deny entry without a proper warrant
- The right to legal representation before signing any documents
- The right to leave if not under detention
Use these links to access printable cards that you can present to immigration agents to formally assert your constitutional rights under the 4th and 5th Amendments.
