The event took place in the worship room at Friends Center, bringing together worship leaders, city officials, healthcare workers, legal professionals, and community advocates. They joined together to address the impact of immigration enforcement on Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and communities. The event allowed attenders to learn what is happening and ways to take action.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner spoke on the city’s legal community and how the justice system’s responsibility to uphold the law while refusing to align with policies that divide families and create fear. He noted the need of ensuring that all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel safe reporting crimes, calling 911, and participating in legal obligations. The District Attorneys opinion is that when people fear engaging with law enforcement, it will make the city less safe for everyone.
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s General Secretary, Christie Duncan-Tessmer, shared why Friends joined the legal challenge to protect places of worship. “Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, as I mentioned earlier, is the community of Quakers in the four states around Philadelphia. There are about a hundred congregations and 10,000 people. So together with other yearly meetings from the northern border of our country down to Virginia, including most of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Baltimore, and D.C., we joined together on this suit.”
The decision to file came after a federal policy change that allowed enforcement actions in schools, healthcare facilities, and religious institutions—spaces previously considered sensitive and protected.
Christie noted that this is about more than Quaker faith. This legal challenge is about ensuring that all people can worship and gather in safety. “ICE entering worship is not peaceful. Fear is not peaceful.”
Christie also encouraged community action, mentioning that many immigrant-owned businesses are struggling due to fear and financial hardship. Faith leaders and city officials are organizing visits to support these businesses.
Alain Joyville, added information on behalf of the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs, highlighted the city’s work to ensure all residents, regardless of immigration status, have access to services and support. He spoke about Philadelphia’s designation as a Welcoming City and the city’s commitment to language access.
Throughout the event, city officials, worship leaders, healthcare workers, and non-profit leaders shared how they are working to protect immigrant communities. Edwin Santana from the Philadelphia School District mentioned ongoing efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of immigration status, feel safe and can access educational resources. Dr. Marc Altshuler from Jefferson Health emphasized that medical staff are trained to support all patients, including those at risk due to immigration status, and that hospitals remain places of care and protection. Another speaker suggested that Philadelphia residents get PHL City ID cards as a simple way to show unity with immigrant neighbors.
Speakers, organizers, and participants included Anuj Gupta (The Welcoming Center), Catherine Miller Wilson (HIAS PA), Christie Duncan-Tessmer (Philadelphia Yearly Meeting), Chris Mohr (Friends Center), Larry Krasner (Philadelphia District Attorney), Stephanie Costa (DA’s Office), Renee Garcia (City Solicitor), Alain Joinville (Office of Immigrant Affairs), Marc Altshuler (Jefferson Center for Refugee Health), and Edwin Santana (Philadelphia School District).
Organizers also included Marwan Kreidie (Philadelphia Arab-American Community Development Corporation), Andy Toy (United Voices for Philadelphia), and Thi Lam (Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition), alongside Anuj, Christie, and Chris.
