PhillyCAM ICE Policy and Response Updates

 2/17/2026

Dear PhillyCAM Community,

At PhillyCAM, we believe that media is power. Those who control the media shape the narrative, and narratives shape how people are seen, treated, and protected. Community members and advocates have shared concerns about increased immigration enforcement activity and the fear and uncertainty it is creating in our region. It’s important that we name what’s happening, not because it’s trending, but because ethical storytelling means acknowledging the realities people are living. It’s about human dignity, democratic principles, and the right to be seen and heard.

The federal government is unlawfully weaponizing ICE to attack anyone who opposes them. Our Latine and immigrant communities have felt this harm for some time. Our creators, students, workers, neighbors, and storytellers deserve to live and work without fear. We believe community voices are essential to democracy, and democracy cannot exist without our voices. 

We don’t want people to only consume media. We want people to create it, question it, and use it to tell the truth about their lives and communities. We want to create spaces where conversation, information sharing, and organizing can happen, and where members feel supported and respected. We always encourage our members to:

• Use media with intention.
• Share stories that center humanity.
• Challenge misinformation and stereotypes.
• Support immigrant creators and storytellers.
• Pay attention to how immigration is framed, and who benefits from that framing.

At PhillyCAM, we are taking steps to train staff and strengthen operational procedures that prioritize the safety and dignity of our members. Over the past few months, we’ve updated our safety policies, created response plans, and gathered practical resources so staff are better prepared to support our community, including those who may feel especially vulnerable at this moment. Community members can show solidarity and support by doing the following:

• Amplify the efforts in the City Council; reach out to your City Council member to share your support of the ICE OUT Bill.
• Continue to create work that amplifies the voices of our most vulnerable community members.

As a community media center, we believe safety is collective: when one person feels unsafe, it impacts us all. As we share more about our efforts, we welcome your partnership in helping keep PhillyCAM a place where everyone can participate, create, and belong safely.

With care and solidarity,

PhillyCAM