Definitions.
Philadelphia Code § 21-3701
in effect§ 21-3701. Definitions.
(1) Administrative Warrant. A document issued by an immigration enforcement official, including those from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or an administrative immigration judge (IJ), relating to suspected violations of immigration law, including an I-200 “Warrant for Arrest of Alien”, I-205 “Warrant of Removal / Deportation”, and any successor or similar forms. The term shall include civil administrative warrants, administrative subpoenas, detainer requests, removal orders, entries in databases maintained by National Crime Information Center or other entities, and any similar civil order for the arrest or detention of an individual or for information but shall not include a judicial warrant or court order.
(2) Citizenship or Immigration Status. The status of a being a person who: (a) is a citizen or national of the United States, including a person who holds United States citizenship in addition to citizenship of another country; or (b) has migrated to and is neither a citizen nor national of the United States, including, but not limited to, persons with status as lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, unauthorized immigrants, and persons having temporary protected status.
(3) City Agency. Any City department, agency, division, commission, council, committee, board, or officer of the City of Philadelphia, or other body established by authority of ordinance, executive order, or Charter.
(4) City Designee. The highest-ranking manager or official designated by a City Agency to serve as the authorized representative for purposes of communicating with immigration enforcement agents regarding requests under this Section, and at least one (1) alternate manager or official to serve in their absence.
(5) Contractor or Subcontractor. Any person or entity that receives City funds or is party to, or a subcontractor for, an agreement to provide services or goods to, or on behalf of, the City.
(6) Federal Contractor. A person or entity providing goods or services under a Procurement Contract or subcontract with a federal agency.
(7) Immigration Enforcement Agent. Any federal employee or agent engaged in immigration enforcement operations, including, but not limited to, agents of United States Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and members of the National Guard or United States Armed Forces, and federal contractors involved in immigration enforcement operations.
(8) Immigration Enforcement Operation. Any law enforcement activity that has as its main objective the identification or apprehension of a person or persons in order to subject them to civil immigration detention, removal or deportation proceedings, or removal or deportation from the United States, or to criminally prosecute a person or persons for offenses relating to immigration status, including, but not limited to, violations of Sections 1253, 1304(e), 1306(a) and (b), 1325, or 1326 of Title 8 of the United States Code, or violations of Sections 1028A or 1546 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
(9) Judicial Warrant. A warrant based on probable cause and issued by a judge appointed pursuant to Article III of the United States Constitution or a federal magistrate judge appointed pursuant to Section 631 of Title 28 of the United States Code.
Notes
92 | Added, Bill No. 260056 (approved May 7, 2026) and Bill No. 260057 (approved May 7, 2026). Enrolled bills numbered this as Section 21-3601; renumbered by Code editor.
Source: City of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-309332Fetched: 10/27/2026