Justice Department sues Philadelphia over law regulating ICE operations

The big story on Action News tonight is a legal showdown between Philadelphia and the Trump administration over federal immigration enforcement in the city. The Justice Department is challenging a newly enacted bill that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks and using unmarked vehicles. Action News reporter Leland Pender looking into this detail for us tonight live in Center City. You have reaction, Leland, to the lawsuit? Certainly, Shari, that lawsuit announced just this afternoon and basically what it comes down to, the federal government is telling Philadelphia and really any other city that it can't tell it what to do or attempt to regulate federal officials. The Justice Department is suing Philadelphia over a new law that bars law enforcement, including ICE agents, from wearing masks, requires physical identification, and prohibiting the use of unmarked vehicles. The DOJ says cities don't have the authority to tell it what to do. What a waste of time and resources for political theater. That's how the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition is responding tonight. Advocates say they won't be bullied. We are proud that Philadelphia has stood firm in defending its right to govern in the best interests of its residents. The measure is part of City Council's seven-bill ICE-out package passed in May. It was the only bill Mayor Parker didn't sign, the administration citing, quote, significant legal problems, but she didn't veto it, so it became law. An immigration attorney says the city continues to seemingly successfully walk a delicate line on the issue. We look at what's happened in other cities like D.C. and Chicago and, of course, the tragedy that unfolded in Minneapolis, and that hasn't happened here. The lawsuit does not name council or any specific members, but Kendra Brooks, who introduced the bill, issued a statement saying, in part, Trump can sue all he wants, but I will not back down from this fight. How does a municipality protect its citizens from abuse, whilst at the same time allowing the federal administration to carry out its objectives? And that's what the courts will be deciding. The DOJ calls this part of a broader national effort to challenge local policies it believes interferes with enforcement. As it says, federal officers have faced an unprecedented wave of harassment, doxing, and even violence. Advocates say Philadelphia remains committed to being a welcoming city. We're here to fight for what's right. Now, unless blocked by a court, the law in question here is set to be effective next month. The mayor's office declining comment tonight, citing pending litigation. Live here in Center City, Leland Pinder for Action News at 10 on PHL 17. Well, the city of Philadelphia standing its ground. We'll see where this goes. Leland, thanks.