The perception in immigrant communities that local police are acting in concert with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) only adds to the problem, they say.
"That makes it harder for police to do their jobs. . .and less safe for everyone," said Jen Rock, co-director of New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, the interfaith coalition that sponsored "Walk A Mile In Our Shoes," from Love Park, to the Liberty Bell and back to City Hall.
In a non-binding resolution in June, City Council unanimously opposed renewing the arrangement, which gives ICE agents access to the city's Preliminary Arraignment Reporting System.
Everett Gillison, deputy mayor for public safety, said Philadelphia is "on track to renew" the PARS agreement at the end of this month, with the possibility of some slight modifications.
Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez, he said, has suggested revising the contract by releasing the data to ICA through the Common Pleas court case management system, rather than through police. That possibility will be considered, he said, when he meets soon with the PARS committee that includes District Attorney Seth Williams and Municipal Court Judge Marsha Neifeld.
Under pressure from protestors, the city amended the PARS agreement last year to exclude victim and witness data, but immigrant advocates say victims remain reluctant to report crimes for fear of deportation.
