HARRISBURG, PA — A group of Pennsylvania Senate Democrats on Tuesday unveiled a package of legislation aimed at limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, protecting certain public spaces from immigration-related activity, and expanding legal protections for immigrant communities across the Commonwealth.
The initiative, branded “ICE Out of Pennsylvania,” was introduced at a Capitol rally attended by Democratic lawmakers, advocacy organizations and community leaders. Supporters said the legislation is intended to respond to increased immigration enforcement activity and concerns about its impact on schools, hospitals, voting locations and local communities.
The proposal includes measures that would restrict Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in designated public spaces, limit cooperation between local governments and federal immigration authorities, establish legal remedies for alleged federal abuses of power, and create an Office of New Pennsylvanians within state government.
State Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, who chairs the Senate Welcoming Caucus, argued that state resources should be directed toward public services rather than immigration enforcement efforts.
“Public resources should be invested in schools, healthcare, housing, and vibrant, accessible neighborhoods—not in expanding a deportation machine that tears families apart and undermines trust in our public institutions,” Saval said.
Among the bills included in the legislative package is the Protecting Our Vote Act, sponsored by state Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny. The proposal would seek to prevent voter intimidation and harassment by federal immigration authorities at polling locations.
“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and your vote is incredibly powerful,” Williams said. “The state does. The federal government may try to enforce their will on Pennsylvania, but we have the final say on keeping voters safe, running smooth elections, and making sure every vote counts.”
Other measures would include the Keep ICE Off Pennsylvania’s Property Act, Welcoming Schools legislation, a proposal covering higher education institutions, restrictions on local cooperation with ICE, and legislation creating legal remedies for alleged federal abuses.
State Sen. Tim Kearney, D-Delaware, said immigrant communities in his district have experienced growing concerns about immigration enforcement activity.
“No community in our Commonwealth should be forced to live in fear, and our legislation draws a bright line to protect residents and restore trust,” Kearney said.
Advocacy organizations supporting the legislation cited reports of increased immigration enforcement actions and detentions throughout Pennsylvania. Organizers said community groups have expanded hotline operations and legal assistance efforts in response.
Supporters also pointed to recent polling they say shows growing concern about federal immigration enforcement tactics, while emphasizing the role immigrants play in Pennsylvania’s workforce and economy. According to the organizers, nearly 8% of Pennsylvania residents were born outside the United States.
The legislative package faces an uncertain path in the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania Senate, where immigration-related proposals have historically generated significant debate.
Prime sponsors of various bills within the package include Sens. Amanda Cappelletti, Carolyn Comitta, Art Haywood, Kearney, Katie Muth, Saval, Sharif Street and Williams.
The bills are expected to be introduced and considered through the normal legislative process in the coming months.
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