Local Bill in Pennsylvania’s York City Aims to Re-establish Trust Between Immigrant Families and Law Enforcement for Safer Communities

18 DECEMBER 2024, YORK CITY, PA – Immigrant families celebrated as York City Council voted 3-2 to pass Bill No. 47 “Welcoming and Access to Immigrants and Refugees.” The initiative, referred to in the community as the TRUST Act or Acta de Confianza, seeks to build community trust by ending voluntary information sharing with ICE for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement. Under the bill, City employees cannot inquire about immigration status when a victim reports a crime, a driver faces a traffic stop, or a parent enrolls their child in school. In addition, this law requires ICE to have a warrant for city employees to provide information and prohibits employees from aiding that federal agency to locate York’s immigrant residents.

CASA’s Pennsylvania Organizing Director Mirna Gonzalez said, “York City has taken a bold and compassionate step toward building a community where everyone can belong, participate, and thrive. We thank Council President Washington, Vice-President Buckingham, and Councilmember Dr. Dennis for sending a clear message: safety, dignity, and opportunity are values that define this city, our home. Throughout history, people have moved for college, for work, for love, and for safety. Migration has always been part of the human experience. The Trust Act ensures that all community members – no matter their background, what they look like, or where they are from – can live without fear of unjust targeting or separation. When this bill becomes law, families can feel safe calling for help, reporting crimes, heading to the hospital, or taking their children to school – without fear of deportation or separation. It strengthens public health, safety, and community involvement by prioritizing trust over intimidation and fear.”
CASA’s Pennsylvania Organizing Director Mirna Gonzalez said, “York City has taken a bold and compassionate step toward building a community where everyone can belong, participate, and thrive. We thank Council President Washington, Vice-President Buckingham, and Councilmember Dr. Dennis for sending a clear message: safety, dignity, and opportunity are values that define this city, our home. Throughout history, people have moved for college, for work, for love, and for safety. Migration has always been part of the human experience. The Trust Act ensures that all community members – no matter their background, what they look like, or where they are from – can live without fear of unjust targeting or separation. When this bill becomes law, families can feel safe calling for help, reporting crimes, heading to the hospital, or taking their children to school – without fear of deportation or separation. It strengthens public health, safety, and community involvement by prioritizing trust over intimidation and fear.”
Another York resident, Barry Ness, also testified at the hearing. He talked about the history of the Louisiana Purchase and how President Thomas Jefferson expressly asked immigrants to come and settle in America. Looking around the room at the supporters of the bill, Ness said, “You are my neighbors and I’m glad that you are here.”
York City Resident and CASA member Teresa Caicedo testified at the hearing in support of the TRUST Act. She shared that she was there to represent those who could not speak for themselves. She said, “ We cannot live in fear when we walk down the street or with the uncertainty of being separated from our families. This is why we need to amplify and support the TRUST Act.” CASA has been leading this campaign for over three years.

The core of the ordinance requires that “Officials and employees of the City… treat all persons equally and without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability to speak English…” York Mayor Michael Helfrich has 10 days to sign or veto the bill. 

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With over 173,000 lifetime members across 46 US states, CASA is a national powerhouse organization building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. CASA creates change with its power building model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. www.wearecasa.org