PHILADELPHIA—The economic engine of Pennsylvania is Philadelphia. The commonwealth owes much of its growth in the 21st century to waves of newcomers worldwide. In Southwest Philly, a multinational “Africatown” is bringing stability for Liberian and Guinean asylum seekers to lay down roots. The Northeast section of the city has offered sanctuary to Ukrainian and Afghan refugees. Victims of U.S. foreign policy machinations like Cambodians, Laotians, and Vietnamese have long been resettled in the city of brotherly love. And yet, despite the differences, all Philadelphians learn to love the Eagles.
The Mayor of Philadelphia, Cherelle Parker, has an instinct for slow and centralized deliberation when making political decisions. Her leadership style, however, is under scrutiny from her city workforce, who are anxious to see bold opposition to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) terroristic deportations.
“I am disappointed in the administration’s initial response.” said one library worker who requested anonymity before speaking to People’s World. “Is it enough? I don’t think so. We could be taking a more protective and proactive approach. This is a human rights issue, and we should be a part of the solution.”
The city law department’s spokesperson, Ava Schwemler, confirmed that the 2016 executive order issued by Mayor Parker’s predecessor, Jim Kenney, stated that the city will not cooperate with ICE detentions of its residents unless a judicial warrant remains in place. But on a symbolic level, Mayor Parker is dithering despite a growing coalition of local, state, and federal elected officials from Pennsylvania resisting the MAGA agenda. The delay from the top of the city government in taking a clear political position has had a chilling effect on city workers who serve the public.
Library administration has conveyed that until the city’s legal team comes out with a plan, library workers should not post “know-your-rights” information sheets online or at the branches. The executive leadership of Philadelphia libraries ultimately answers to the Mayor’s Office. This withholding of information—especially in a library—could be considered censorship.
When asked for comment about the censorship of city workers, City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier admitted that the Council is aware but is limited in what they can do. The City Council and their staff are the only municipal workers who do not fall under the mayor’s authority, therefore, they have been the only government representatives who have been able to share “know-your-rights” information. Philadelphia municipal workers are represented by AFSCME in District Councils 47 and 33.
The lack of official support for immigrant communities at this juncture is acutely felt in the libraries, health, and human services departments, for example.
Councilmember Gauthier, herself the daughter of immigrants, was joined by 19 other state and local elected officials who all represent Philadelphia in issuing a joint statement condemning the terroristic ICE raids harming immigrant communities. State legislators and city council members are committed to using their power to protect immigrants.
Since Trump’s electoral victory, the mayor has avoided sharply distinguishing herself from the President.
In January, Mayor Parker told NBC, “We are a city made up of neighborhoods, and I believe our diversity is our greatest strength, but I won’t make public policy in response to comments on the campaign trail.”
She argues that securing federal dollars to support city programs depends on a working relationship with the White House. However, Trump issuing and rescinding a pause on federal grants and loans has undermined the mayor’s logic. And two weeks into Trump’s presidency, the city has yet to weigh in.
Grassroots organizations have honed the practice of informing individuals about their constitutional rights over decades of combatting the immigrant detention/deportation machine. City Council members like Quetcy Lozada are undeterred from using her office to promote such work despite federal threats to prosecute immigrant allies.
The right to remain silent and to not self-incriminate under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution belongs to all persons, regardless of citizenship status. So why is the mayoral administration actively discouraging front-line public servants from doing their jobs and protecting the community?
“Libraries should be a place where people can feel safe to express themselves while accessing information and programs,” the anonymous library worker asserted. “Most important to me is my family, most of whom were born in another country. I fear for their welfare and for others, papers or not.”
Other Philadelphia elected officials, such as District Attorney Larry Krasner, understand what it will take to fight for the future. Krasner used his position last November to press charges against Elon Musk for an outrageous “vote for Trump lottery.”
The Mayor of Philadelphia has a powerful role as the symbolic leader of this diverse city. Peer-city mayors like Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago are holding the line against deportation terror. Parker’s predecessor, Jim Kenney, seemed far more comfortable doing so in Trump’s first term.
Will the mayor toss away progress frivolously by undermining Philadelphia’s sanctuary city status? Censorship does not just manifest in spectacular book bans or burnings. As a nation fighting to preserve democracy from billionaire authoritarians, we cannot flee to the underground nor obey in advance.
We hope you appreciated this article. At People’s World, we believe news and information should be free and accessible to all, but we need your help. Our journalism is free of corporate influence and paywalls because we are totally reader-supported. Only you, our readers and supporters, make this possible. If you enjoy reading People’s World and the stories we bring you, please support our work by donating or becoming a monthly sustainer today. Thank you!
CONTRIBUTOR
