Despite Protests, Nutter Administration Set To Renew Info-Sharing with ICE
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A small group of demonstrators rallied outside Philadelphia City Hall today, urging officials to end access by federal immigration agents to a police department database.
Less than a dozen youngsters carrying signs and led in chants by rally organizers delivered a message to Mayor Nutter's office: don't renew a city agreement that gives US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents access to a database containing information on arrests and court proceedings.
The protesters say the information can be fodder for finding undocumented immigrants -- even those who have been witnesses to crimes or victims -- subjecting them to arrest and deportation.
"Kids with parents who have been deported or are in deportation proceedings are asking our city officials to not renew the license in two days, and keep all families together in Philadelphia," says rally organizer Nicole Kligerman.
Nutter wasn't in City Hall today but his spokesman says the agreement will be renewed because the federal agency is entitled to the information, as are other law enforcement agencies in the region who are granted access to it.
