Issue
Calls for a sanctuary city and bills to limit city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
City Council
Under two proposed bills, immigration agents couldn't use city property such as parks and libraries as staging areas. On May 6, council advanced the bills, which the mayor's office would enforce. Consequences could include a $2,000 fine per violation or firing from city jobs. Council is scheduled to take its final vote next week.
City Council
Stories have been circulating about immigration agents detaining people in Pittsburgh. On April 1, council weighed writing into city code that city workers, including police, won't cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. That proposal faces a final vote next week. Meanwhile, two others would bar leasing or lending city property for enforcement staging, and they're on hold a week for legal review.
City Council
Between 60 and 90 explosive-detection dogs from 18 municipalities and agencies could be working the NFL Draft. On March 25, council agreed to bring them in, barring visiting municipalities from immigration enforcement while in the city. However, four participants are federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. Council didn't discuss whether the city could enforce the amendment with them.
City Council
On Jan. 28, acting police chief Jason Lando told council the city won't assist federal immigration enforcement. He spoke under oath in a four-hour interview, as council moves toward installing a new chief. He committed to working with leaders, the city's attorney, and affected residents on a plan. Lando also wants to bring in an in-house clinician for officer mental health.
City Council
In mid-August, ICE raided two local Emiliano's restaurants and detained 16 people. Nearly 1,500 residents have signed a petition asking council for a hearing on becoming a sanctuary city. That would bar all city agencies from cooperating with ICE. Members indicated they'd hold one, but no date is set, and no action is required afterward.