People in Pittsburgh may see fewer immigration raids after the mayor announced that his administration will not assist federal authorities who conduct them.
Key Facts:
- Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey spoke at the Pennsylvania Press Club and vowed not to work with ICE agents on immigration arrests.
- He argued that ICE enforcement alone will not fix the nation’s immigration system.
- Gainey plans to collaborate with nonprofits to help immigrants feel safer and more welcome in the city.
- The mayor also stated he does not expect Pittsburgh police officers to work with ICE any time soon.
The Rest of The Story:
Mayor Gainey made it clear during his remarks that he considers federal actions against illegal immigrants to be ineffective at handling what he calls a “failed immigration policy.”
He said these efforts generate fear among individuals who reside in the city, possibly preventing them from seeking needed services or reporting crimes.
Instead of working with ICE, the mayor wants to address immigration at the legislative level, saying that pathways to citizenship should be a top priority.
In his view, local governments can do more to welcome immigrants by providing essential resources through partnering with nonprofits.
He also mentioned that under his leadership, Pittsburgh’s Public Safety Department has not been asked to help ICE, and he believes it is unlikely that local police will volunteer to do so.
Meanwhile, other major cities, such as Denver and Chicago, also refuse to fully cooperate with ICE.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/pittsburgh-mayor-declares-he-not-cooperate-ice-raids-people-feel-scared
These places often label themselves “sanctuary cities” by limiting contact with immigration authorities.
However, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has indicated his administration will continue to coordinate with ICE when violent offenders are involved.
Gainey’s choice to stand firm against deportation efforts places Pittsburgh among a growing group of metropolitan areas challenging federal immigration policy.
Required reading for Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. pic.twitter.com/TgmCern59G
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) January 22, 2025
Commentary:
The mayor’s vow not to cooperate with ICE sends a troubling message.
Federal immigration officials should be able to enforce the law without being obstructed by local authorities.
If Mayor Gainey truly refuses to comply with lawful federal operations, he should face the consequences—up to and including arrest—for denying federal agents their duty to detain or remove criminal immigrants.
Public safety and respect for the rule of law must come first, and local leaders should not block federal law enforcement.
The Bottom Line:
Pittsburgh’s mayor has joined several leaders who oppose federal raids.
His statements underscore his commitment to a city he envisions as more inclusive for immigrants.
The debate over the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration duties continues to divide lawmakers.
For now, Pittsburgh’s city government stands with those who say immigration enforcement belongs in Washington’s hands.
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