🌊 Climate change puts Philly’s history at risk

How Philly Plans to Protect Residents from ICE

Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau introduced legislation restricting Philadelphia’s collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, garnering the support of the majority of City Council. On City Cast Philly, Brooks and Landau break down their bills, explain how much power the city has to restrict federal operations, and share stories from community members that inspired them to take action. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Gov. Shapiro’s $53.2 Billion Pitch for PA

I’m getting déjà vu. We finally approved a state budget in November after a four-month delay, and soon we’ll be back watching the negotiation table. Shapiro addressed the state legislature yesterday with his priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, including: Raising Pennsylvania’s $7.25 minimum wage, legalizing marijuana, and protecting energy consumers while creating a path for tech companies to construct data centers. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 🔒 The Inquirer]

Rising Waters Are Leaving Philly’s Historic Institutions Vulnerable

In 2021, Hurricane Ida caused the Schuylkill River to rise 16 feet, flooding roadways and buildings along Kelly Drive, including the Fairmount Water Works. Years later, damages from the storm are still visible at the site. With most of Philly’s National Historic Landmarks located near waterways, institutions will be forced to adapt or see our history washed away. [Inside Climate News]

Dirty Franks Wants You To Go Back to the Frat House

College students may need to stick to their nearest campus pub now that the legendary Center City dive (known for murals of famous Franks on its outer walls in lieu of a sign) is requiring patrons to be 25 or older to enter. Although new patrons is typically a good thing, the Uber-loads of college kids looking to get hammered had shifted the vibes, driving longtime customers away. Do you think the age restriction is the right call? [Philly Plain Dealer]

Deporting undocumented immigrants has become a priority of the federal government, causing panic among immigrant communities in Pennsylvania. Scores of people have died after being detained, and two U.S. citizens were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement operations.

Last year City Cast Pittsburgh spoke to Vanessa Stine, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Pennsylvania, to learn what happens during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement stop or raid, what rights immigrants have regardless of their legal status, and how bystanders can help during an ICE encounter.

What To Do If…

ICE Stops You on the Street

• ICE officers can’t detain someone on the street without a legal reason.
• If an ICE officer stops you and starts asking questions, ask if you are free to leave.
• If the officer says yes, walk away.
• If the officer says no and asks about your immigration status, you can exercise your right to remain silent. Say, "I am going to remain silent," and don't answer any questions.
• If you have lawful immigration status and ICE asks for proof like a green card, you have to give it to them if you're carrying it with you.

ICE Knocks On Your Door

• ICE is not allowed to enter your house without a judicial warrant signed by a judge, so do not automatically open your door.
• Ask the officers to show you the warrant by sliding it under your door or holding it up against the window.
• Check to make sure they have the correct type of warrant. It should say “United States District Court” at the top and be signed by a judge. The judge’s title will be listed below the signature.
• The officers may show you a different kind of warrant, called an administrative warrant. It will say “Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement” at the top. If they only have an administrative warrant, you do not have to let them in. You can say, “I do not give you permission to come inside. Please leave.”
• Learn more about the difference between judicial and administrative warrants and see examples of each in these resources from the ACLU of Pennsylvania and the National Immigration Law Center.