Philly says it's welcoming, Trump says sanctuary city; does it matter?

This year, Philadelphia City Council announced and introduced an "ICE OUT" legislative package, aimed at limiting the power of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the city.

The legislation later became law, when Mayor Cherelle Parker signed legislation.

In terms of immigration laws and enforcement, the White House has called Philly a "sanctuary city." Philly has called itself a "welcoming city."

It is Certified Welcoming by Welcoming America, a national nonprofit that encourages cities to promote inclusivity and work with law enforcement to educate people about their rights. There are dozens of certified Welcoming America cities, but not all are on the federal government's sanctuary city list.

But what's the difference? And what does it mean for immigrant residents, visitors and travelers in one of the nation's most diverse cities.

What is a sanctuary city? Why does Trump call Philadelphia a sanctuary city?

In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and the Justice Department updated their list of sanctuary states, cities and counties in the country, including Philadelphia.

The release also defined a number of characteristics that could land these jurisdictions on the official sanctuary list, like laws and ordinances that limit how local law enforcement can cooperate with ICE or even jurisdictions that won't honor ICE detainers without a signed warrant.

Where does Philadelphia stand on immigration?

The city has passed a number of different bills, legislation and policies throughout the years in regard to immigration and how local law enforcement can interact with ICE agents, like putting limits on when a detainer will be honored and preventing local law enforcement from sharing sensitive immigration status information with federal agents.

'ICE OUT' legislation introduced in January set forth a new round of immigration-related guidance, like preventing city employees from allowing ICE agents access to city-owned spaces without a warrant, banning 287(g) agreements that allow local police to act as federal agents and more.

Does it matter if Philly calls itself a sanctuary city?

In short, no.

When it comes to potential DHS actions or overhauls that are being levied against sanctuary cities in the country, it doesn't really matter what Philadelphia calls itself as long as it is still qualified by the White House as a sanctuary city.

Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and city-related for USA TODAY's Philadelphia Metro Connect Team.