On February 3, 2025, the streets of Philadelphia witnessed an unexpected march that brought together approximately 450 people. Alma Romero dusted off an old banner she had used in a 2006 march, which reads, “This is the only home I and my children know.” Some participants gathered on 9th Street, near the area known as the Italian Market.

The march began with uncertainty and a noticeable police presence, which initially sparked fear among the participants. However, the officers soon clarified that they were there to ensure their safety, and the atmosphere shifted to one of unity and solidarity, standing against the anti-immigrant rhetoric promoted by President Trump.

The main demand of the protesters was respect and an end to the hostile rhetoric toward immigrants, particularly in light of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the city. “My daughter cried and asked me, ‘Mom, what should I do? They tell us not to go out, but you’re always outside,’” Alma shared.

Olga Rentería, a journalist with the digital outlet Philatinos Radio, noted that what stood out to her in this march, compared to others she had attended, was the significant presence of young people. She emphasized, “They are the future, and they’re not afraid to speak their minds.”

One of the most emotional moments, according to Olga, occurred when a young man took the megaphone to thank his parents and grandparents for immigrating. “He made many of us cry. There he was, a young man raised here, telling us that our struggle was worth it,” she said.

Olga pointed out that many members of the community who usually attend such events did not join this time, which she attributed to a lack of prior information. “If they had known, many would have closed their shops to join us,” she commented. However, she noted that as the march progressed, people began coming out of their homes to join the demonstration, something she hadn’t seen in previous marches. Olga mentioned that they reached City Hall around 9 p.m. before heading home.

This march will be followed by an initiative from the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, which is calling on immigrants to refrain from working on Sunday, February 9, the day of the Super Bowl, when the Philadelphia Eagles will compete for the championship. The initiative also encourages people to avoid spending money at corporate businesses the following day.

These actions are a response to the increase in attacks against the immigrant community by ICE and the policies of the new presidential administration. Business leaders are urging local city officials to take decisive measures to strengthen protections and expand opportunities for immigrants, especially in the current climate of hostility toward them.

Additionally, they are calling on Mayor Cherelle Parker to reaffirm Philadelphia’s commitment as a sanctuary city and for the City Council to increase funding for programs aimed at the immigrant community. These programs include the Philadelphia Immigrant Family Unity Project (PAIFUP) and additional resources for the Philadelphia School District. The funds would improve staff training on the District’s sanctuary policies and implement best practices for language access and trauma-informed teaching for immigrant students or children of immigrants.

These demands emerged after immigrant advocacy groups met with some elected Democratic officials at City Hall on January 31. Mayor Parker was not present at the meeting, and State Representative Danilo Burgos was the only Latino official in attendance.