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At least 15 Philadelphia city councilmembers have backed a package of ”ICE Out” legislation aimed at combating ICE and federal immigration enforcement operations in Philadelphia, including codifying sanctuary protections and prohibiting federal immigration agents from concealing their identities or covering their faces. “We heard the cries from the community calling for something to be done,” says Kendra Brooks, a member of the Philadelphia City Council, where she serves as minority leader. “Our goal was to make sure that something is in place to prevent any undue harm.” Councilmembers will vote on the legislation in the coming weeks, and it is expected to pass with a veto-proof majority.

This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.

AMY GOODMAN: As we continue to look at local resistance nationwide against Trump’s crackdown, we go to Philadelphia, where a group of at least 15 city councilmembers have backed a package of seven bills aimed at combating federal immigration enforcement operations in Philadelphia, including codifying the city’s sanctuary protections. The bill would also prohibit federal immigration agents from concealing their identities, covering their faces or using unmarked cars. It also requires judge-signed warrants and prohibits city workers from cooperating with ICE. The efforts are being led by Philadelphia City Councilmembers Kendra Brooks, who will join us in a minute, and Rue Landau. They co-authored the legislation package. All but two of the city’s 17 councilmembers have co-sponsored the ”ICE Out” package, indicating the legislation may have a veto-proof majority.

In response to the legislation being introduced, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker made one of her first public statements about Trump’s immigration raid, saying on social media, quote, “We are aware of the potential challenges that we face, and we understand the public’s fear of the unknown, as it relates to federal policy associated with immigration,” unquote.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has launched a national coalition of prosecutors that would hold federal immigration agents accountable if they’re found to have violated state or local laws and civil rights protections. The coalition........

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