PRESS CONFERENCE:  Philly Republicans Respond To Mayor Parker's ICE Restrictions 

DATE: May 13, 2026, Wednesday
TIME:  1:00 PM
PLACE: City Hall, South Broad Street side
WHO: 

BACKGROUND: 

On Thursday, May 7th, Mayor Parker signed into law six bills that are designed to protect illegal immigrants, not Philadelphians, by hindering the enforcement of federal law by federal immigration authorities. Not only does it expose Philadelphians to an endless invasion by illegal immigrants, it is also a federal crime to knowingly and willfully obstruct, hinder, or interfere with federal immigration law enforcement officers (such as ICE or Border Patrol) during their duties. Such actions can lead to felony charges, imprisonment, and fines under several federal statutes, including 18 U.S.C. § 111 (assaulting/impeding officers) and 18 U.S.C. § 1505 (obstructing agency proceedings). 

In fact, this week the House Judiciary Committee sent letters to Philadelphia law enforcement officials (District Attorney Larry Krasner, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, and Sheriff Rochelle Bilal) accusing them of harboring "sanctuary policies" that hinder federal immigration enforcement and demanded records regarding these practices. 

"Mayor Parker is protecting illegal immigrants, not Philadelphians. In addition, Mayor Parker and City Council don't seem to understand or respect the Separation of Powers - that it is the undeniable right and responsibility of the federal branch of government to make and enforce federal immigration law, and not for cities or states to obstruct them. It is not an exaggeration to say that providing sanctuary and protection to an endless stream of illegal immigrants is tantamount to treason," said Lynn Landes, Founder of Philly's Republican Network. 

Worse yet, by protecting illegal immigrants, they are also protecting the criminal cartels that are embedded within their communities, which makes life far more dangerous for everyone living and working in Philadelphia. The city already has a reported 75,000 illegal immigrants. Approximately 10-20 million illegal immigrants came into the country during the Biden Administration, most of whom were not vetted, and some are hardened criminals or terrorists. And although the borders are secure today, 60-80 million visitors come to the United States every year. Sanctuary cities have essentially laid out a welcome mat for these visitors to overstay their visas. Estimates on the cost of illegal immigration to American taxpayers vary, with recent studies placing the net annual burden at over $150 billion.

In response to this attack on our nation’s sovereignty, we ask Philadelphia Republican voters to write-in William Small for the 3rd Congressional District in the upcoming May 19th Primary Election, and to also support John A. McAuley for Republican State Committee. For November’s General Election, we ask all Philadelphians to vote for our Republican candidates. Next year, Republicans will challenge the Mayor and City Council for their abject failure to protect the citizens of Philadelphia. (END)