Recognizing the critical importance of legal representation in protecting the rights of immigrants when interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and encouraging all immigrant serving organizations to promote legal resources.

Recognizing the critical importance of legal representation in protecting the rights of immigrants when interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and encouraging all immigrant serving organizations to promote legal resources. WHEREAS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement actions continue to create fear and instability among immigrant communities in the City of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, Immigrants often face complex and intimidating legal proceedings that can have life-altering consequences, including detention and deportation, without access to adequate legal representation; and WHEREAS, According to the National Immigrant Justice Center, detained immigrants are 11 times more likely to pursue relief when they have legal counsel and twice as likely to obtain relief compared to those without legal counsel; and WHEREAS, Many immigrants are unaware of their legal rights when confronted by ICE and may unknowingly waive protections available to them under the law; and WHEREAS, Ensuring access to legal representation is a fundamental issue of due process and justice, and providing City-supported and non-profit resources, including legal defense funds, pro bono services, and know-your-rights training, is essential to safeguarding immigrant communities; and WHEREAS, Promoting legal assistance hotlines and expanding partnerships with nonprofit legal organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Philadelphia Legal Assistance, …