Since January 2025, President Trump’s immigration policies have spread panic throughout our nation, including here in Pennsylvania. Raids by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are the main cause of this fear, with many such raids resulting in the detention of individuals with no criminal record and even of United States citizens.
In Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, and across our nation, we are seeing a disturbing rise in hostile and unlawful actions under the guise of ‘immigration enforcement’. From violations of due process, to illegal search and seizure, to inappropriate and even deadly use of violence, these tactics are undermining the safety, security, and constitutional rights of our neighbors. While President Trump claims that his efforts are targeting the “worst of the worst,” evidence has shown that only 5% of detainees have a violent criminal conviction, and 73% have no conviction at all. Further, ICE is increasingly using racial profiling when conducting these raids, further violating civil liberties.
We cannot stand idly by as ICE continues to mistreat the residents of our state. That is why we are introducing legislation to authorize the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to receive and document complaints from the public regarding civil liberties violations committed by ICE and law enforcement agencies working with ICE. Our bill will then allow the commission to refer such complaints to the Pennsylvania Attorney General or the appropriate district attorney. This will demonstrate our commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone in our state while forcing ICE and law enforcement agents working with ICE to think twice before violating the rights of an individual being detained.
No one should fear for their safety when in our state, and we as public officials cannot allow civil liberties violations committed by ICE to be swept under the rug. We ask that you join us by co-sponsoring this important legislation and help to shine a light onto what ICE is doing here in Pennsylvania.