News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School student groups organized an Immigration Know Your Rights Training to educate attendees on their rights during interactions with ICE. Led by Anu Thomas, the training aimed to empower individuals in Philadelphia as they navigate immigration enforcement. Participants received valuable resources including know-your-rights cards, reinforcing awareness during heightened federal enforcement policies across the nation.
Philadelphia
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School student groups hosted an Immigration Know Your Rights Training on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, providing crucial information to attendees on navigating interactions with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The event, held at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, aimed to equip individuals with a clear plan of action should they encounter immigration enforcement in Philadelphia.
Details of the Training Session
The training was a collaborative effort by the Penn Law Immigrant Rights’ Project (PLIRP), the Immigration and Asylum Law Club (IALC), and the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). Anu Thomas, a co-lecturer at Penn Carey Law and the executive director of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services, led the presentation. Thomas emphasized that “there is a role for everybody to play in response to immigration enforcement.”
The session covered vital aspects of constitutional protections applicable during immigration enforcement encounters. Thomas clarified that these protections apply to individuals “physically present” in the United States, although they do not prevent deportation. Attendees learned practical steps on how to prepare for and what actions to take if an actual ICE interaction occurs.
Philadelphia’s Welcoming City Status and Local Legislation
A significant point of discussion was Philadelphia’s designation as a “welcoming city,” often referred to as a sanctuary city. This status means that local law enforcement agencies limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Thomas highlighted that such policies and practices contribute to “equity within how the city executes itself.” Reference was also made to the “ICE OUT” legislation, introduced in the Philadelphia City Council last month, which further outlines these policies.
Following the presentation, organizers distributed Immigration Know Your Rights cards. These cards provided a summary of constitutional rights for both citizens and non-citizens and offered guidance on appropriate responses when interacting with ICE agents. Mahera Muquith, President of the Immigration and Asylum Law Club and a second-year student at Penn Carey Law, expressed the widespread importance of the event, stating it was valuable “not just for the law school, but for everybody.” Muquith also noted the training as a valuable starting point for activism, recognizing that “people at Penn are leaders and activists, and they’re always looking for ways to get involved to make the world a better place.”
Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement
This training comes amid intensified federal immigration enforcement activity nationwide. In a related development, the University of Pennsylvania’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) issued an advisory on February 18, 2026, recommending that international students and scholars carry their immigration documents at all times. This guidance underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding immigration enforcement across major U.S. cities.
Reports indicate a sharp increase in the detention of Latino immigrants without criminal convictions, reaching nearly six times the monthly average compared to the final year of the previous administration. Federal government agencies have been aggressively enforcing national immigration policies, leading to increased arrests and detentions of unauthorized immigrants in various locations, including specific reports from Los Angeles County. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) states its mission is to protect America from cross-border crime and illegal immigration.
Student organizations such as Penn for Immigrant Rights (PIR), established in 2011, consistently advocate for immigrant rights and work to educate the Penn campus and the wider Philadelphia community through workshops and demonstrations. PIR holds “Know Your Rights” workshops throughout the year, aiming to dismantle misconceptions about immigration and provide essential support to the local immigrant community.
Key Features of the Immigration Know Your Rights Training
| Event Type | Immigration Know Your Rights Training |
| Date | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
| Location | University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Philadelphia |
| Organizing Groups | Penn Law Immigrant Rights’ Project (PLIRP), Immigration and Asylum Law Club (IALC), International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) |
| Key Speaker | Anu Thomas (Penn Carey Law co-lecturer, Esperanza Immigration Legal Services Executive Director) |
| Main Topics Covered | Constitutional rights in immigration enforcement, actions during ICE interactions, Philadelphia’s ‘welcoming city’ policies, “ICE OUT” legislation |
| Materials Provided | Immigration Know Your Rights cards |
| Broader Context | Intensified federal immigration enforcement nationwide, increased detention of non-criminal immigrants |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
