The Problem

People are afraid to go to Philadelphia courts right now because they’re worried about encountering ICE.

This problem is affecting all kinds of cases: family court, landlord-tenant disputes, protection from abuse orders, small claims, criminal matters, etc.

Access to courts is a fundamental part of how our country functions and defends rights. When people are too afraid to show up because doing so also means risking detention, it undermines the entire legal system.

Take a few minutes today to write to or call the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania (the Philadelphia courts system). Urge them to take action to keep ICE out of courts and protect access to justice.

Writing Your Letters

PLEASE NOTE: Copies of your letter should be sent to all four judges, separately. These judges make up the governing body of the First Judicial District.

Mail your letters to or call the following judges:

Administrative Judge – Municipal Court Honorable
Joffie C. Pittman III

Philadelphia Municipal Court
1301 Criminal Justice Center

1301 Filbert Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

(215) 683-7205

Below is a template that you can use to write your letter. Please feel free to make edits:

Dear President Judges Wright Padilla and Shields and Administrative Judges Anders and Pittman III,

I am concerned about civil immigration enforcement activity occurring in and around the courts of the first Judicial District and the impact this has on community members’ ability to access the courts safely. Many of our neighbors have reported fear about attending court proceedings due to the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents nearby. This fear discourages participation in the judicial process, undermines trust in the courts, and can compromise the fair adjudication of cases.

In light of this, I respectfully request the following:

• Increased opportunities for virtual or excused appearances across all courts within the First Judicial District until a more comprehensive policy is established.
• Expand existing policies to ensure the following:
  • Limit civil immigration enforcement arrests in and around courthouse premises, including exterior areas such as overhangs, parking garages, court-owned parking lots, and adjacent sidewalks.
  • Mandate the logging of any federal agents conducting immigration enforcement or surveillance activities in or around courts within the First Judicial District.
  • Require all law enforcement officers and federal agents present in court facilities to wear clearly visible identification, and prohibit the use of masks or other face coverings that conceal their identity.
  • Prohibit sheriff’s deputies, law enforcement officers, and court employees from discouraging or interfering with bystanders who are lawfully recording such activities.
• Provide monthly public reports and updates, in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, detailing:
  • Federal agents who entered court facilities within the First Judicial District;
  • The agencies they represent;
  • The date and time of their presence;
  • Whether they possessed a valid judicial warrant; and
  • Ongoing policy development, implementation progress, and efforts to limit federal agents’ ability to target community members on courthouse grounds.

  I believe taking the above-referenced steps, or similar steps, will go a long way towards re-storing the access to justice that has been lost to date.

  Thank you for your consideration and for your continued commitment to maintaining safe and accessible courts for all Philadelphians.

  Sincerely,

  [Your name]