Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Welcoming PA Caucus | News Center

PA Senate and House Philadelphia Delegations Denounce ICE Violence, Reaffirm Support for Immigrant Communities, and Call for Action

(Jan 14, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 14 — Following the murder of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, MN by an ICE agent, the shooting of two people by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Portland, OR, the death of Parady La after his detention at the federal center in Philadelphia all last week, and against the backdrop of a year of escalated violence, 18 state senators and state representatives serving legislative districts across Philadelphia have released the following statement: "Building a community of respect, care, and support is a sacred responsibility entrusted to each of us. For doing this vital work, on Wednesday, January 7, ICE agents in Minneapolis, MN murdered Renee Nicole Good—a mother, poet, and community member who was onsite to document ICE’s violence against her neighbors. This was immediately followed by another shooting by U.S. Border Patrol agents on Thursday, January 8, in Portland, OR. "Since his return to the White House, President Trump has directed ICE to embark on a reign of terror and chaos in our communities, with violence that has torn apart families, shuttered small businesses, and hollowed out public spaces. In the past year, ICE agents have shot at least 16 people, and 33 people have died in detention centers across the country, including here in Philadelphia just last week. "We know the circumstances of Ms. Good’s death because of community members who showed up to prevent their neighbors from being Read more

 

Pielli introduces bill preventing use of state dollars for federal immigration enforcement

(Jan 08, 2026)

WEST CHESTER, Jan. 8 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, along with several colleagues, introduced a bill today that would prohibit law enforcement agencies from using state-appropriated funds to enforce federal immigration laws. The legislation would also codify the Pennsylvania State Police’s policy of limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Pielli noted that agreements with the federal government, known as 287(g) agreements, have often proven counterproductive to community safety. The Pennsylvania State Police adopted its own limited-cooperation policy in 2019. “As state lawmakers, we have a responsibility to protect Pennsylvanians from illegal and violent government overreach -- just as our founding leaders did more than two centuries ago,” Pielli said. “Previous legislation I sponsored, including H.B. 1968, which holds ICE accountable for unlawful search and seizure practices, and H.B. 1880, the Officer Visibility Act, are important steps. Yet, as this administration continues to put lives at risk and traumatize communities, it is clear that more action is needed. “Law enforcement should be empowered to address local concerns and protect residents -- not diverted into roles that undermine public trust. These issues are real and urgent. Just yesterday, Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and mother, was shot and killed by ICE during an operation. ICE has shifted from overstepping Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Hohenstein legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians referred out of committee

(Oct 28, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 – Legislation ( H.B. 1113 ) that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth, introduced by state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., was referred out of the House State Government Committee today, 14-12. “We are both pleased to receive the support of the House State Government Committee for this critical and timely legislation,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The Office of New Pennsylvanians would raze the roadblocks and cut the red tape that’s restricting immigrants in PA from fulling participating in life here in the commonwealth and in our economy. As our immigrant communities are an integral part of Pennsylvania’s economic growth, making up over 8% of our state’s work force and paying $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes, we want to ensure that they have the supports they need to succeed.” The legislation would establish an Office of New Pennsylvanians that would be a one-stop shop for benefits and resources for immigrants under the auspices of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. “The Office of New Pennsylvanians would provide needed support and resources to attract immigrants to our commonwealth and to keep them here,” Hohenstein said. “Especially during these times when immigrant rights are under attack, this bill is more important than ever to reaffirm Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Hohenstein to hold news conference Oct. 28 in support of their legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Oct 22, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., will be joined by representatives of Church World Service at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 in the East Wing Rotunda, Harrisburg, for a news conference in support of their legislation (H.B. 1113) that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Our immigrant communities are an integral part of Pennsylvania’s economic growth, making up over 8% of our state’s work force and paying $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes,” Smith-Wade-El said. “But they are facing too many roadblocks due to bureaucratic red tape and restrictive policies targeting immigrant communities. “To keep these skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders in our state, I’ve introduced a bill that would raze the maze of bureaucratic silos by establishing an Office of New Pennsylvanians that would be a one-stop shop for benefits and resources for immigrants under the auspices of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.” “My support for immigrant rights is based on my belief in the value of all working people. Organized labor was born in immigrant communities from the coal mines in Pennsylvania to sweatshops in New York and to the grape harvests in California,” Hohenstein said. “Immigrants bring so much to our state – whether Read more

 

Pielli introduces bill to protect Pennsylvanians against unlawful searches and seizures

(Oct 20, 2025)

WEST CHESTER, Oct. 20 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, is introducing legislation that reinforces the protections against unlawful searches and seizures provided by the constitutions of both the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Art. 1 Sect. 8). Specifically, Pielli’s legislation will create a cause of action against anyone, whether or not acting under the color of law, who interferes with a person’s rights through unlawful detention, violence, threat, intimidation, or coercion. Pielli says the legislation is in response to the growing amount of citizen claims that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are making warrantless and violent arrests of individuals who are legal residents and/or U.S. Citizens with proper identification. These arrests can lead to the unlawful detainment of people in immigration detention centers, in some cases up to multiple days. “The eyes of history are upon us as to whether we will continue to defend our sacred rights and liberties,” Pielli said. “As state lawmakers, we have a duty to protect the residents of the Commonwealth from illegal and violent overreach by any government officials now, just as we did over two centuries ago. I look forward to my colleagues’ support of this legislation to make all Pennsylvanians feel secure in their rights against unreasonable, unlawful, and unconscionable imprisonment and seizure of Read more

 

Immigration, workforce development focus of Hazleton roundtable

(Sep 24, 2025)

HAZLETON, Sept. 24 – Connecting people with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace, and the role immigrants play in powering Pennsylvania’s economy were two of the topics explored during a community roundtable held Wednesday afternoon in Hazleton. The roundtable was hosted by the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee and the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus (PLLC). Legislators sat down with community leaders from across Luzerne County to discuss the policies that are working in the area. Community leaders also highlighted areas that require growth, including access to good-paying jobs, housing, and education. The roundtable was held at the Hazelton Integration Project’s community center , which is a hub for the community-based effort to unite the different cultures found in Hazleton. “Immigrants play a vital role in Pennsylvania’s history and economy,” said Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, the chair of the PLLC. “The way the Hazleton Integration Project uses early childhood development, community outreach, and more to show how diversity is a community strength, and it is exactly what we need to grow our current and future generations.” “People come to America for a better life, to work hard and to leave a better place for their kids,” said Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Philadelphia. “These are common goals for everyone. When we remove Read more

 

Lancaster County Agencies Training with ICE Must Act with Humanity and Follow Due Process

(Aug 20, 2025)

Lancaster County agencies training with ICE must act with humanity and follow due process Read more

 

Immigrant detentions surge at Pa. center accused of abuse as Trump crackdown intensifies

(Jun 13, 2025)

Immigrant detentions surge at Pa. center accused of abuse as Trump crackdown intensifies Read more

 

Burgos, Kenyatta condemn Trump administration ICE raids, urge peaceful protests

(Jun 13, 2025)

HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., issued this joint statement today voicing concerns over the Trump administration’s intensified ICE raids across Philadelphia and ongoing protests: “We are deeply concerned about recent developments surrounding the actions of the Trump administration. Our neighbors should not live in fear, plain and simple. The tactics being used by the administration threaten the fabric of our democracy and put people across the United States at risk. “We strongly stand in support of peaceful protests. As family members, friends, neighbors or advocates, we have the right- and responsibility- to express our views and come together in peace. Violence and destruction are unacceptable, they threaten public safety and undermine our shared values of acceptance. “We call on law enforcement agencies to prioritize de-escalation and to work diligently to maintain order. It is essential that officers act with restraint and respect, ensuring that protests remain peaceful while protecting everyone’s safety. Our city’s strength lies in our ability to come together respectfully, even amid disagreement. “To our neighbors, stay safe and vigilant. We stand with you in defending the principles of democracy, peace and justice for all.” A list of immigration-related resources in English and Spanish can be found Read more

 

Philly immigrant communities and allies brace for ICE workplace raids

(Jun 11, 2025)

Acts of resistance are spreading as Immigration and Customs Enforcement steps up arrests. Carlos Garcia, 31, of Norristown, Pa., and his wife Stefany Tejeda, 28, of Norristown, are out showing their support for their community and families across the country during a rally in Norristown on Saturday, June 7. Carlos Garcia, 31, of Norristown, Pa., and his wife Stefany Tejeda, 28, of Norristown, are out showing their support for their community and families across the country Read more

 

'Welcoming Caucus' takes stand against Trump immigration policies

(Mar 26, 2025)

Invoking the state and national history of immigration, beginning with the welcome offered by William Penn, some Pennsylvania elected officials want to pass new laws that counter the federal government’s recent deportation efforts.The PA Welcoming Caucus held a press conference skewering the Trump administration’s immigration policies, of which Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, said are intended to “erect a chilling order of terror and inquisition” across the United States. Read more

 

Pennsylvania legislative Democrats propose bills to counter Trump on immigration

(Mar 26, 2025)

Pennsylvania legislative Democrats are pushing back against the Trump administration's actions on immigration with new legislation. The bicameral Welcoming Caucus unveiled its new proposals at a press conference on Wednesday, which it said are designed to make the transition easier for immigrants looking to come to Pennsylvania. Read more

 

State lawmakers release plans to protect PA immigrant communities

(Mar 26, 2025)

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Today, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Welcoming Caucus united at the Capitol to announce legislative initiatives to support families, fortify communities, protect workers and uphold the integrity of the legal system. The Welcoming Caucus is a bicameral group of legislators dedicated to ensuring Pennsylvania remains a welcoming place of opportunity and connection. Members recognize the enormous contributions of immigrant communities and advocate for policies that promote social and economic justice and protect civil rights and freedoms. As the Trump administration ramps up attacks on immigrant communities across the country, members of the Welcoming Caucus have introduced a suite of bills that seek to uphold and protect the rights of all Pennsylvanians. The press conference to highlight the legislation was hosted by Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila, who chairs the Welcoming Caucus in the House, and Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Phila, who chairs the Welcoming Caucus in the Senate. “My support for immigrant rights is based on my belief in the value of all working people. Organized labor was born in immigrant communities from the coal mines in Pennsylvania, sweatshops in New York and the grape harvests in California,” Hohenstein said. “I consider my work for immigrants to be the same as my work on behalf of the people of my neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Everyone wants safer Read more