Things are about to get ugly.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey recently made clear that his administration would not cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in apprehending illegal immigrants. Speaking at the Pennsylvania Press Club, Gainey said, “I am not going to be working with ICE. My administration will not work with ICE. We will do whatever is necessary to make our city more welcoming.” His comments are part of a broader stance by certain local leaders who oppose federal efforts to address illegal immigration.
Gainey expressed his belief that ICE’s actions would not solve the nation’s immigration issues, saying, “ICE is not going to end the situation of a failed immigration policy. It’s not going to do it.” He suggested that such efforts only create fear and division within communities, making people “feel scared” and unsafe. According to Gainey, the real solution lies in comprehensive immigration reform, specifically pushing for a pathway to citizenship for those already in the country illegally. He argued, “Change it through the legislation. We know what needs to happen. Where’s the appetite to do it right?”
The mayor’s stance mirrors that of other sanctuary city leaders, like those in Denver, Chicago, and Boston, who have opposed President Trump’s calls for a tougher approach on illegal immigration. These mayors argue that cities should focus on inclusion and support for immigrants rather than assisting federal enforcement agencies.
Gainey also emphasized that Pittsburgh’s local police officers would not be cooperating with ICE, reinforcing his stance on creating a city where “everybody feels welcome.” In a statement to Fox News, Gainey’s office clarified that the city had not been asked to assist ICE, noting that public safety policies would continue to be guided by local law enforcement priorities rather than federal mandates.
This growing trend of resistance to ICE cooperation highlights a sharp divide between local leaders in some Democratic-run cities and the federal government’s immigration policies. While some mayors, like New York City’s Eric Adams, have pledged cooperation with ICE on criminal matters, others like Gainey remain firm in their refusal to engage with federal agencies they see as part of a broken immigration system.