A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1909 North Van Pelt Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260039.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 260039 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 260040.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1437, 1438, 1539, 1544, 1546, and 1610 Ogden Street, 863 North, 15th Street, 841, 845, and 851 North 16th Street located in the - STATED - 2ND READING 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260040. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 260040 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 260041.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1802-1804 North Franklin Street, 1803, 1807-25 North 8th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260041. - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 260041 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 260042. - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1403, 1409, 1415, 1428, 1436 and 1441 North 17th Street, 1624 and 1626 Jefferson Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 260042 be adopted. All those in favor of - STATED - 2ND READING the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Mr. President, I'd like to be voted aye on our bills and resolutions while I was out.
Thank you. Shall be duly noted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 260045.
A - STATED - 2ND READING resolution honoring Father Joseph J. Kelley by renaming the 2400 block of South 17th Street as "Father Joseph Kelley Way" in recognition of his dedicated Pastoral leadership at Saint Monica Parish and his longstanding service to the South Philadelphia community.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260045.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 260045 be adopted. - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 260046.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2726 North 15th Street in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260046.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 260046 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings on the decrease in Black student enrollment at the School District of Philadelphia special admission schools. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas on behalf of Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes the - STATED - 2ND READING Chair of Education Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of our Majority Leader, who's a little under the weather today, I move for the adoption of the resolution. But also, Council President, I would like to be recorded as aye on all votes that I missed prior to this moment. (Duly seconded.)
It shall be duly -- it has been moved and properly seconded the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: I thought it was just me in here. Anybody opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Councilmember Thomas, you shall be duly noted on voting aye on all bills and resolutions while you were out of the chambers. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution please.
A privileged resolution recognizing the life and legacy of Joseph R. Syrnick for his distinguished career of public service to the City of Philadelphia and his visionary leadership in transforming the Schuylkill River Corridor, Trail and Waterfront. - STATED - 2ND READING Introduced by Councilmember Jones on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution is adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing January 20-23, 2026 as "Social Justice Week" in the City of Philadelphia, and further honoring Friends Select School for its contributions and dedication to being an anti-racist school with a culture and curriculum that encourage and empower awareness and response to issues and events in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the lives and legacies and expressing condolences for the - STATED - 2ND READING deaths of Keith Porter, Jr., Renee Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, Cheofeng Ge, Fouad Saeed Abdulkadir, Parady La and the countless individuals who have been killed, disappeared or tortured in the past year. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognize Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing January as National Substance Abuse Disorder Month and honoring the resilience of individuals, families and communities impacted by substance abuse disorder in Philadelphia and nationwide. Introduced by Councilmember Harrity.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity for a motion on the resolution.
- STATED - 2ND READING Good afternoon. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring WURD Radio for being nationally recognized as a nominee for an - STATED - 2ND READING NAACP Image Award for its limited podcast series "Exonerated: The Cost of Wrongful Conviction," which explores life after wrongful conviction in Philadelphia, exemplifying local journalism's mission to explain, clarify and nuance the diverse experiences of Philadelphians. Introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution as well as request to be voted and counted as aye on all bills and resolutions that I may have missed when I stepped out of the chamber. (Duly seconded.) - STATED - 2ND READING
It shall be duly noted. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A non-privileged resolution with suspension of the rules to adopt today, authorizing Councilmember Brian O'Neill's appeal, on behalf of and as a representative of City - STATED - 2ND READING Council, of the decision of the Department of Licenses and Inspections with respect to 451 Rhawn Street. Introduced by Councilmember O'Neill.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. What we are seeing today in our city is that the people of Philadelphia are ready. We are ready to stand up to Trump, to Stated Meeting neighbors and to protect our city from ICE. Thank you to Councilmember Landau for partnering with me on the ICE Out legislation that we introduced today. Thank you to Councilmember Lozada, who was an early supporter of this legislation, and thank you to all my colleagues who co-sponsored this legislation today. This is the type of action I talked about in my speech last week, and I'm grateful to have your support this morning. I intend to work with all of you over the coming weeks to get this across the finish line. Over 50 local organizations signed on to endorse this ICE Out package. The list includes groups who worked with us to craft the legislation, including Pennsylvania Stated Meeting Coalition, Make the Road PA, New Sanctuary Movement and the National Domestic Workers Alliance. It also includes labor unions UNITE HERE, SEIU and PFT. Thank you all for your commitment to our immigrant neighbors and the safety of our entire city. This issue is too important for us to back down on. With this ICE Out legislation, we're doing everything within a city's power to limit ICE activity in Philadelphia. We want ICE out of all American cities. These bills are in line with successful legislation that has passed in Allentown and Reading, modeled legislation in Harrisburg and now being proposed by Democrats at this federal level. It takes the best practices we learned from ICE raids Stated Meeting and puts them into law. It has support from ACLU PA, our District Attorney Larry Krasner and Sheriff Bilal. This bill puts Philadelphia as a leader in the nation in restricting ICE activity in our city. This legislation says -I'm sorry. With this legislation, legislation, we are saying ICE out, ICE out of the shadows, because we don't want mass unidentified agents terrorizing our communities; ICE out of city data because we don't want ICE collaborating with our local law enforcement or using our personal information for their raids; ICE out of city spaces because we don't want ICE using our parks and other city-owned spaces for their operations. Over the past 10 years, every time Trump has tried to Stated Meeting rights, the people of Philadelphia have come together to stand up and fight back. Staying silent is not an option when people are being publicly executed in streets and the federal government is covering up their murders. I want to be clear. ICE is already here. We don't want a Minneapolis situation. But I reject the claim of those who are pretending that we don't already have a problem. So today, this body has taken action. Over 50 endorsing organizations are taking action, and together we're going to get this done to protect all of us here in Philadelphia. Thank you so much, colleagues, for all of your support. (Applause.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT Stated Meeting JOHNSON: Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. As we've already heard today, WURD was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the Limited Podcast Series category, making it the only local outlet nominated for an award in 2026. I think that's worth clapping for and celebrating. (Applause.)
The nominated podcast Exonerated: The Cost of Wrongful Conviction is about four men wrongfully sentenced to decades in prison for crimes they didn't commit, and what their life has become after the harrowing experience of having to serve time unjustly, the program was made in partnership with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and with the Stated Meeting law firm. So while I know this is a credit to the whole WURD family, I want to especially congratulate Ashanti Martin, Dr. James Peterson, Terri Tillman and Tiffany Bacon, the executive producer, host, producer and editor of Exonerated. And we certainly thank William Bailey, Lance Felder, William Johnson and John Miller. These are men who spent decades of their lives trapped in a system operating at the peak and apex of injustice, their voices ring out, and this nomination is just a small example of their importance. I do feel safe saying and speaking for my colleagues when I say that we deeply appreciate the service that WURD Radio provides to our city, and that we are immensely happy for the recognition that the Stated Meeting nomination. But this award is special, as Ashanti Martin pointed out in her public comments, because it's decided by the people. The nominee with the most online votes actually receives the award, which means we got to vote, Philly. com. com/exonerated -you spell that e-x-o-n-e-r-a-t-e-d -- to vote for the program. com/exonerated. And better yet, listen to the podcast whenever you get them online. Listen to all five episodes. It's really, really good reporting. It's really, really good work. And as Philadelphians, Stated Meeting of WURD Radio. We appreciate the storytellers at WURD who chronicle the local stories that help to shape local governance, who connect the dots at the ground level about all things that are happening across our country. As Dr. Peterson connected the dots when he made his comment, immediately reminded me of that particular passage of Scripture Luke 4:18, Jesus begins his ministry, begins his ministry, opening the scroll to the book of the Prophet Isaiah, where it's recorded saying that the Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he's anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight Stated Meeting to set free those who are oppressed. Release of the captives, set free those who are oppressed. He made those connections immediately in his comments about how we're focused on exonerated as well as this larger issue that we have lifted up today as well. All the change I want to see starts locally, which brings me to the question of local power in a time when there are no rules. Clearly, the ICE Out package that we have seen raised today, I don't want to sugarcoat it. These people really have goons running around without any concern for the notion of rights in this country, for the notion of law in a country that claims itself to be a republic. In Minneapolis, in these Stated Meeting First Amendment, the Fourth Amendment, the Fifth Amendment just vanish. They killed a disarmed man licensed to carry. Blamed it on the fact that he owned a weapon. And those who worship the Second Amendment can't seem to agree on whether it was a problem or not. Now, I don't know how many other folks have been around paying attention to politics, you know, more than since yesterday. But last time I checked two-way and Second Amendment rights was bedrock belief for most conservatives in this country.
And the idea now that somehow that means nothing, you can't bring a firearm to a protest, coming out the mouth of a Republican President is the face, the face of ridiculousness, absurdity and non-seriousness. Stated Meeting Castille, killed in the same Twin Cities region as well. These are not people clearly with ironclad principles. But there was less blood, less magical thinking before. Not anymore. Apparently, nothing matters. Whatever this fascist regime says is what goes and it's got to stop here. , I think our Mayor and our Governor, our local law enforcement, District Attorney, our court system, I think we all have to acknowledge a basic fact. That fact is this and I'll shut up: The people of Philadelphia are not waiting for us to defend their neighbors. They're not waiting. They'd like our help. If they can get it, they'd be Stated Meeting it, but they won't wait for it. In the same way that when danger came to the Twin Cities, people did not wait. We know enough about the people we represent to know that many, many, many Philadelphians will make it their business to resist. Somehow, some way, people of all stripes, people of most political persuasions, people we would never expect to be brave will be if the moment calls for us. So we need to be brave with the power that we do have that has been given to us by the people, so the Constitution says. Utterly realistic, yes. But very, very brave, yes. Very strategic, yes. But very, very brave. We know cowering is the losing strategy with the man in the White House. And we know it ain't Stated Meeting struggle, but it's also our duty to win. So we're going to have to be brave. We're going to have to be courageous. Courage, my friend, you do not walk alone, as the song says. And as the Scripture reminds us, Leviticus 19 and 33, When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord, your God. That is what the text says. The moral law, the ancient law, the gospel and the good news, all of it, as well as these people are saying today what we ought to do. Let our leadership show up in our voting. Thank you, Stated Meeting )
That didn't sound like Christian nationalism to me. Thank you, Member O'Rourke. They got a different playbook. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for speeches. On behalf of the Majority, starting with Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President, colleagues, listening audience. I'm proud of the members in this body. Y'all are fired up and ready to go. From everything, seeing you on national TV speaking to the fact that they removed the exhibit down at 6th Street for the slaves that the founder of this nation owned. You standing up for this body locally deserves a round Stated Meeting voices that I've heard, from the speeches of the Majority that we give, to the legislation that we pass, to the ICE Out legislation, all of these are brave voices from my colleagues. I'm proud to hear those voices. I rise today on a slightly different matter. I start with the fact that this is ironic that it's the 250th birthday of our nation and that we're going through all of these things, and that I understand when you tell a person or a country's history that some of those chapters you really don't want read out loud. Dag, we made a mistake. Maybe if I just erase it, it stops being a part of our history. No, it becomes fantasy. It becomes fake. It becomes not Stated Meeting good, the bad and the ugly give us our template for what we're going to do in the future, what we can do better. And so, as we look at what's going on, I bring us to the fact that we were to have a hearing on Resolution 250781 in reference to the Freedmen's Bureau. And the timing of this could not be better. For three years I've listened to the 18th member of City Council come in here, and sometimes I listen a little closer than others. Sometimes I say, oh, boy, here he goes, right. But after a while, I started hearing the truth. After a while, I started hearing how it's timely that you got No. 47 trying to erase everything. You got No. 47 trying to get rid of DEI. You got No. 47 saying that Stated Meeting I see is that in Philadelphia if you want to clean up the world, start sweeping under your own feet. Start sweeping under our feet, and that we have a constitutional angle, fact, that we can stand on, in the sense that if you are trying to narrow President Trump to who gets what benefit, then we should start with the Freedmen. When you think about all of the other groups that I support totally, right, but when I think about our struggle, South Philly's struggle, what happened to us, a longer period of time and I can't think of more intense impact that impacts today. Every one of you raised a issue, whether it was reentry and incarceration, those are the baggages of slavery, fact. When you start talking Stated Meeting lack of fairness in education opportunities to Black and Brown babies, and particularly Freedmen, slavery. The fact that there is today a school-to-prison pipeline, slavery. Housing segregation, to the degree that we migrated up North, yet were cut off by the government imposition of highways, your neighborhoods, my neighborhoods, our districts, slavery. You can't find a subject that we're talking about today that can't be traced back to the pebble in the pond back then, not a one, even if we tried. You can't erase it. You can't act like it didn't happen. It doesn't become history. It becomes fake fantasy. Now, I say all of that to say that on February 18th we're going to hear Resolution No. Stated Meeting 250781. I encourage my colleagues to come in with their opinions. And what are we trying to get out of that? We're not trying to create fantasy. We want to document a constitutional record and how Philadelphia can impact that. We don't want to create unrealistic expectations. I'm not saying you can't do 40 acres and a mule, but you can damn sure do scholarships, tax breaks, housing breaks, things that are real, that people should be held responsible for. (Applause.)
I know for a fact that there are bodies still under the White House of slaves that built that have no names on their graves. If you build a White House on the backs of Stated Meeting slavery, do you have some responsibility? Whether you are an education institution that built your dorms, shouldn't our children get scholarships to go to your institutions? So all of these remedies we will evaluate at that hearing, we will talk about at that hearing. I do not expect unfiltered, no opposition opinion. I want to hear it all. I want to evaluate it all to see what is realistic, Mr. President. And then once we get done, we're going to do like Philadelphia always has done, be the first at things, be the first at things. And when I say to you that in the '80s in Congress, they introduced the Freedman's bill. It's still getting kicked -- the can's still getting kicked down the Stated Meeting They reintroduce it. The buck stops right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We can be first at good things. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Member Jones. Very well said. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. Philadelphia is a city I love deeply, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, a city that stands without hesitation for justice, dignity and respect for all who call it home. As the only first-generation immigrant serving on Philadelphia City Council, this Stated Meeting not abstract to me. It impacts me and my family every single day. The testimony you heard today is testimony we live every single day. Just because I'm sitting in this seat doesn't make me immune from that. But I know firsthand the promise of the city. The same things that I just spoke about also is the same place that gave me this opportunity to serve on this body. Almost unimaginable looking at the arc of my life. So I know firsthand the promise of the city and the challenges of building a life here. The Philadelphia I know is gritty, resilient and always willing to extend a helping hand when someone is in need. That is my experience of Philadelphia. Let me be clear again, Stated Meeting without hesitation for justice, dignity and respect for all who call it home. And let me be clear too those values are not conditional. We do not pick and choose whose rights matter. That is why ICE must be held accountable. Philadelphia cannot and will not tolerate unlawful practices that terrorize our residents, separate families and sow fear in our neighborhoods. I thank my colleagues Councilmember Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau and all who are supporting this bill, and saying that in addition to this legislation being introduced today, I am working to really look at the most vulnerable immigrant residents, people facing real, credible threats to their lives from human trafficking and sexual Stated Meeting about more than just policy. It is human rights. I'm going to be working on that with all my colleagues to give new legislation that will, in addition to what was introduced today, look at the most vulnerable amongst our immigrant communities, and it will reflect our obligation to protect people when systems fail them. But our responsibility does not stop at the city line. I'm calling on Congress to finally deliver meaningful immigration reform, reform that includes smart border security, employment verification and a fair asylum process, reform that protects Dreamers and reform that creates a real, lawful path for undocumented immigrants who meet the Stated Meeting contribute to this country. And let me be equally clear, without major reforms in the DHS funding bill, the Department of Homeland Security funding bill, I strongly urge our representatives and Senators to oppose that spending package. Philadelphia is stronger because of its people, all of us. And together, we will ensure this remains a welcoming city where no one has to live in fear because of where they were born, what they look like, who they love or how they worship. That is who we are, in solidarity and service. I yield back, Council President. (Applause.)
Very well said, Stated Meeting Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank the students at Friends Select for testifying today on the resolution I introduced honoring their Social Justice Week, where a part of their curriculum which is designed by the students is anti-racism. At Friends Select, Quaker influence manifests in the education with the practice of peaceful resolution of conflict, service toward others, respect and inclusion, things that we need in this country. And anti-racism is important in a time where our Supreme Court has legalized these Kavanaugh stops. I know you may have heard that term before. It Stated Meeting Philadelphia-based law professor at Drexel University. For those who need a reminder, these stops are stops by which federal agents can stop and detain someone based on their perceived ethnicity, right. So basically telling us that our Fourth, Fifth Amendments, all these things that we hold near in this country do not matter. In the four months since this decision, we've seen that our communities are not safer by allowing apparent ethnicity -these are the words in the court order -- the apparent ethnicity to be a relevant factor in federal stops. As we heard today, Black immigrants come from all over the world. I literally look like I can come from any hemisphere in the world. Stated Meeting countries and they look at me like, are you not from here? No, I'm not. So what is my apparent ethnicity to an ICE agent from Montana if I'm on Erie Avenue trying to get Dominican food or if I'm at the Jamaican bar where I met my wife, right, what is my apparent ethnicity to them. Looking at everything the federal government is doing, literally trying to whitewash America, they removed our exhibit at the President's house, which honors our history like it never existed. And sidebar, I want to give a special shout-out again. The only two early Presidents to not enslave Africans were Quakers. So shout-out to the Quaker education again at Friends Select, right. Stated Meeting federal government can remove me, I think it's safe to say they would. It is our duty as local-elected officials to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the city of Philadelphia. That is our charge as local officials. So I want to commend my colleagues for taking action with the ICE Out legislation. I look forward to the conversations as we move these bills through the legislative process. I also want to thank you, Council President. I also want to commend the Mayor for their leadership in fighting to keep our history as we celebrate America's 250th birthday. So thank you, Mr. President. I look forward to continuing this fight for our Stated Meeting citizens, for our residents in the city. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, Member Young. Very well said. Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I think a lot of what I wanted to comment on has been said, but I want to just make a couple of quick points. And the first is that I do want to take a moment and thank my colleagues for the ICE Out package, Brooks and Landau, and also Councilmember Nina Ahmad, who is working on some additional legislation to complement what's already been introduced. So I did want to thank them for offering this legislation, Stated Meeting because, you know, we've all seen what's happening in our country. It's incredibly frightening. We're having conversations that we never thought we would have in this country. Do I need to carry my passport with me when I leave out the front door? Does my daughter need -- do the both of us need to walk out of our door with our passport? Shall I get a passbook card to carry in my wallet to prove my citizenship? Some of these things that are happening are incredibly frightening. And when I heard about the second shooting in Minneapolis, to hear about it is one thing. To actually see the video of someone being executed on the streets is horrific. And so, as it's been said ICE is already here in the Stated Meeting not are they coming, will they come. They're already here. And so, this is important legislation that we need to move forward for a number of different reasons. But specifically because, if you're any student of world history -- and I know, Mr. President, you are -- if you're a student of world history, you know that about 90 years ago, right, we go from 2026 to 1936, if we just look back at 1936 and some of the things that were happening at that time in this world, not necessarily all in this country, but if you look at what was happening then in Nazi Germany and here in this country, then you should be very afraid. You should be very, very afraid. And beyond being afraid, Stated Meeting to let that happen, you better get your fight on. You better be ready to get your fight on. (Applause.)
And so, we have to be ready to do what we have to do to keep each other safe and protect one another during this time of tyranny. And so again, I just wanted to mention that. On a somewhat lighter note -- well, actually much lighter. I want to thank the Allegheny West Foundation, which has been doing work in North Philadelphia for decades. Allegheny West, I love to say, hired me for my first job when I was 15 years old. So they've been around for a minute. We introduced a bill Stated Meeting Panati Recreation Center, the Allegheny West Recreation Center because of the work that they do and because they've been holding down that center for decades now, for at least the last 20 years. They've been there on the ground, running programs, running services. And so, we want to just thank them for all that they've done. And it is appropriately named, once this bill passes, the Allegheny West Recreation Center. And last but not least, I want to just make mention that we're getting ready to have a briefing across the hall. Many of you know we introduced a bill some time ago back in December around ACCT, the Philadelphia's Animal Care and Control Team, to give you a conversation about what's Stated Meeting and control here in the city. It is very much an issue. It is very much of great concern. We put down a lot of animals unnecessarily here in the city of Philadelphia and that's why we did our Backyard Breeding moratorium. I'm certainly hoping that every member can at least stop by. We have lunch. It's going to be good. Get some to eat. But at least stop by. And if not send, please send a staffer to attend the briefing and get the information. It's very, very valuable. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Member Bass. Very well said. You know I lost my dog, so thank you for your work on this issue. Had to put my baby Stated Meeting Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. Today I just want to briefly thank you to Councilmember Rue Landau and the incredible Councilwoman Kendra Brooks for introducing these incredible pieces of legislation to really tell Philadelphia citizens in the city of Philadelphia that we are about the business of the people. What the ICE Out legislation ultimately says to Donald Trump is that no matter what you try to do to undermine the health and safety and well-being of Philadelphia citizens, we will stand up to you. And so, I'm just so proud of this body for standing up to a bullying Donald Trump Stated Meeting forward to passing this legislation together. (Applause.)
I also wanted to say really quickly, as someone who recently earned a Ph.D. in Afro-American Studies with a focus on African American life and culture in a church, I spent many years understanding the importance of Black history. And not only that, we have families that are visiting our city of Philadelphia, tourists, students, everyone is visiting. America's story is complex, but we cannot erase history. And so, when Donald Trump makes decisions to try to erase history and also threaten the wellbeing of individuals in the city of Philadelphia, it is our Stated Meeting public servants to respond with a level of commitment to making sure that that doesn't happen. And so, we're doing the best that we can do, but the reality is that we're going to have to keep doing even more to fight the fascism, racism, sexism and all that comes with the leadership of this federal government. And so, with that being said, I look forward to not only supporting the legislation for ICE Out, but also doing more initiatives to make sure that the history of people of African descent, whether or not other histories, Jews, religious, anything across the City of Philadelphia is not erased. Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting
Thank you, Dr. Phillips. Very well said. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Today we gather to affirm the power of a city that stands together. I support the ICE Out legislation because I stand in support of the immigrant communities, not just in my community but across the city of Philadelphia, not abstractly, not politically, but personally. In my district, more than 50% of the residents are Latino, but our immigrant community is far broader than that. We are home to a large Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Palestinian and many other constituencies who Stated Meeting these issues. Before I say anything else, I must say two things: First, thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who showed up here this morning. Thank you for standing together in a defining moment. I want to say a special thank you to Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Landau for their leadership in crafting this bill package. Their work reflects moral clarity, courage and a real understanding of what our communities are facing. I'm proud to stand with them today. I'd also like to thank Juntos New Sanctuary Movement, the Welcome Center and countless others who have been consistent in their fearless advocacy and dedication to holding government accountable. My Stated Meeting from an advocate with me. And it says, (Spanish translation). I said, When politicians take a position of silence, that silence is translated as acceptance and that is painful. That resonated deeply with me, because right now silence is not neutral. Silence sends a message, and for too many families, that message feels like an abandonment. These are our neighbors. These are parents picking up their kids from schools, elders going to church, families shopping at the market, all while living with the daily fear of detention, deportation and separation, fear of ICE showing up on their block, fear of being taken from their loved ones, fear that one ordinary day everything could change. Stated Meeting 7th District, we take these fears very seriously, even when it's not on the front page. I'd like to take a moment to thank my staff. Every single one of them has played a part in making sure that we support immigrant residents, connecting non-English families with housing and basic needs, distributing Know Your Rights materials, hosting community workshops and advocating for real investment, like the $1.5 million secured for an Immigration Defense Unit. But services alone are not enough. Policies matter, public leadership matters and being vocal matters. All people in Philadelphia deserve protection and security in their homes and in their neighborhoods. We cannot allow fear to define daily life for Stated Meeting so much to our city. This is no longer about political affiliation. It is no longer about criminal records. It is no longer about perpetrators. This is about humanity. It is about an agency who is showing up, creating chaos, instilling fear and breaking the very laws that were written to protect us. ICE needs to leave not just Philadelphia. They need to leave every city. They need to leave now. (Applause.)
Funding needs to stop. Funding needs to stop until reforms are created, until fear is -- until faith is restored, until fear is no longer, until we can connect those that feel like they're alone with the services they deserve. Silence Stated Meeting acceptable option. That is why today I, again, thank the authors of both of the package, and we look forward to continuing the conversation and keeping immigrant families safe in the city of Philadelphia and beyond. Thank you.
I apologize. I just want to also mention two more things we can't ignore. The fact that there are schools closing across the city. I have four schools closing in the 7th Council District. I'm getting a ton of calls and I'd like those families to know that we hear them. We understand their fears as well. I encourage everyone to participate in their neighborhood community meetings, reach out to us Stated Meeting their individual stories. And in the month of February, my office is working with different partners to set up five pantries, most of them in schools, connecting some of these very same families who are living in daily fear with something as simple as food. I ask each one of my colleagues to join my office in collecting some of those canned goods and getting them over to my office so that we can distribute them evenly. Thank you.
Thank you, Member Lozada. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Councilmember Bass, and thank you colleagues for your amazing words of support for both Stated Meeting bills, but also what's coming from your heart, because I know how much you are individually so invested in this work. Today is our moment where we show really that all politics are local. When we watch what our federal government is doing, dismantling the very safety nets that we have created in the law and in both legal and moral, we know that all we can do here in Philadelphia is take care of ourselves. So as I often say, Philly needs to take care of Philly and that is what we are doing right now. When we hear these stories and watch as the federal government is doing everything from dismantling our history by taking down the Slavery Exhibit at the Stated Meeting House, to the Supreme Court saying that it is now legitimate or legal to stop and question Black and Brown people as they're walking down the street, to watching the brutal behavior of ICE agents around this country, especially what we've seen most recently in Minneapolis. This is absolutely the time. If you haven't been in the fight before, now is the time to step in. Now is the time to join us. Because as we've all been saying, there's more of us than there are of them. Over this past year, we've watched this largely unchecked federal administration move without restraint. They're trampling on our civil liberties, our civil rights and ignoring the fundamental civil rights laws that Stated Meeting They have exposed themselves that they are operating without oversight and exactly as Donald Trump wants them to. And the federal government's actions have caused immense fear and pain for our immigrant neighbors right here in Philadelphia. That's why today, after months of working with brilliant, dedicated community members, Minority Leader Brooks and I have introduced our ICE Out package, bills that turn what we've heard from community members into action. This legislation is aimed at protecting our immigrant neighbors and truly showing up for Philadelphia's immigrant communities. Fear tactics like those used by Trump's DHS have Stated Meeting They've only made our neighbors afraid to go to work, to go to school, to seek medical care or even to call 911. Fear is not public safety. Trust is. When immigrant communities are protected, our entire city is stronger. That's not radical. That's common sense. This legislation takes ICE out of the shadows, ICE out of their data, ICE out of our public spaces and out of our city services and it demands ICE out of our city. These are life and death principles that immigrant communities and allies across this country are demanding. We're fighting for a city where every neighbor feels the support and protection of their community and government, and that's why we're standing in solidarity with our Stated Meeting the Philly thing to do. Again, I want to thank you all for your support. I have never felt on a subject as difficult as this, which Councilmember O'Rourke said that we have the bravery and the courage to stand up for this, I have never felt so unified on Council before on something that is of such extreme importance. And as we know in Philly, we support our neighbors and we take our stories and lift them up. I want to remind all of you about the incredible Our Market Project briefing and screening info session that is happening today in Conversation Hall from 12:00 to 3:00. Our local neighbor, Michelle Angelina Ortiz, who has created this project of lifting up the 9th Stated Meeting like one of the most diverse areas in the city of Philadelphia, includes immigrant groups throughout the city.
She has been lifting up and telling the stories of the market in such an incredible way. She is an internationally known muralist who lives right here in Philadelphia and has done some brilliant works here as well. And I just want to -these are the moments where we have to see that Philly knows the more we invest in our communities and tell our stories, our stories that we will not dismantle, that's what shows our strength and that's what shows our grit and that's what shows our Philadelphia. Thank you so much. ) Stated Meeting
Thank you very much. Very well said. As there are no more speeches, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. I commend all of our colleagues for the great work that's being done, especially the ICE Out legislation. Thank you for your leadership there. It's much needed. With that being said, Council President, I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and Stated Meeting Council stands adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) Stated Meeting C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that is this is a correct transcript of the same. m. C. R. m. d. S. com. com/ exonerated. 135:6 178:18 worker/leader 65:22 Z WURDS 133:20 134:18 workers 5:14 63:12 65:23 Zanneo 14:2 67:14 109:15 124:4 173:4 X Zoning 30:11 working 4:11 71:12 74:12 136:12 194:20 195:5 xenophobic 96:8 201:20 216:4 219:12 working-class 62:24 Y workplace 136:22 y'all 55:12 56:5 90:13 works 222:12 105:12 148:6,7 185:17