Without strong leadership, Philadelphians must turn to each other in 2026

On December 10, Parker appeared on an episode of WHYY’s Studio 2, a radio/podcast news show. Near the end of the episode, cohost Avi Wolfman-Arent pressed Parker on an issue many Philadelphians have voiced over the last year: our mayor seems unwilling to draw the ire of the Trump administration.

Wolfman-Arent pointed to major ICE operations in cities like Chicago and New Orleans. He said some Philadelphians are afraid that if “ICE says we’re going after Philadelphia” tomorrow, residents “don’t have a mayor who is going to stand up with force to the Trump administration and protect the most vulnerable."

A strategic decision?

Parker bristled and pointed out that she has cited Jim Kenney’s 2016 executive order stipulating that no-one who would otherwise be released from custody can be detained by ICE on a civil immigration matter (unless the person in question has been convicted of a first or second-degree felony involving violence, and the detainment is supported by a judicial warrant).

She acknowledged that some people are unhappy because she has not given a more emotional response, but that she protects Philly in the way that is best for her (a sentiment that landed badly with her critics, judging by the social-media comments).

“I won’t engage in what some people really want … they really want me to give answers to geometric event statements: if this happens, what are you going to do,” she continued. “Any crisis we’ve had in the city, I’ve responded.” She enumerated the plane crash in Northeast Philly, mass shootings, murder, and the opioid crisis: “We responded. I respond in the best way that we possibly can, in accordance with my leadership here in the City of Philadelphia.”

Cohost Cherri Gregg cut in. “So it seems like this is a strategic decision not to necessarily pick a fight, but only to respond if the fight comes to your front doorstep?”

And the mayor acquiesced: “You could look at it, Cherri, like that. Different people will describe it any way they see fit.”

We need protection, not deflection

Waiting until crisis hits is not a viable plan for Philadelphia in 2026.

It’s a major election year, with control of the US House looking increasingly focused on a handful of Pennsylvania seats.

This summer, the FIFA World Cup is coming to Philly, along with the MLB All-Star Game.

And then there is the small matter of the Semiquincentennial, or America’s 250th anniversary, with a packed roster of cultural events throughout the year, and what will likely be a huge influx of tourists. And instead of wondering how all these visitors are going to, I don’t know, get around once they descend on Philly, the PA legislature pointedly ignored our transit crisis.

All of that would certainly be enough for one year, but there is much more on the horizon.

After a string of high-profile losses in court (including a rare Supreme Court ruling that went against the President) over Trump’s deployment of the military or US National Guard in cities full of Democratic voters, the administration has been withdrawing troops from some cities. Some pundits are now predicting that in 2026, blue cities will likewise see fewer of the DHS raids that look more like war games than immigration enforcement.

But if there’s anything we have learned about Trump 2.0 by now, it’s that normal predictions don’t apply. Whatever he does, says, or promises today could change tomorrow, and his cabinet and half of Congress (unless voters spank them in November) will just spin and spin it behind him.

The spotlight is coming—and those who covet it

No matter how quiet Parker tries to play it, Philly will draw national and international media attention this year, and an influx of global soccer (football) fans, many of whom are no doubt from countries that Trump describes with phrases I won’t repeat here. Trump will smell the spotlight on Philly and covet our importance in American history. He will remember that Philly is a place where “bad things happen.” And he may look for ways to pull the spotlight back to him by terrorizing Philadelphians and our guests.

We could see violent, larger-scale ICE operations (ICE is already here, as many of our neighbors know), or other military-style occupations. And as the weather warms up, we will almost certainly continue to have large-scale and growing protests whose impact is magnified by their proximity to elections and major sports, historical, or cultural events.

We will march for each other

Our mayor’s reactive stance will exacerbate the crisis if and when it comes. Philly’s immigrant families, workers, and students deserve a hell of a lot more than a mayor waving a 10-year-old executive order. Yes, it can be grating when other city or state leaders launch their own campaigns for national office by baiting Trump. Parker’s relative silence may seem focused and prudent. But at the end of the day (as many media outlets and law firms are finding as soon as they bend the knee), bullies and abusers do not go away simply because you tried your best not to provoke them. No amount of silence and wait-and-see will protect Philly from Donald Trump.

I don’t point any of that out to spread fear and doom. It’s the opposite. With eyes open, we’ll be ready to mobilize. Don’t let flashy or frightening national and global events distract you from neighbors who are hungry, facing the loss of their healthcare, or being illegally detained. Pester Congress. Join protests. Support your local library. Start or join an in-person community group with a cause you care about. Fund journalism. Swap books. Help neighbors learn their rights. Donate to food pantries if you have the means. Get out the vote. Make art. I love Philadelphia Citizen’s list of 52 things you can do to make a better city.

As 2026 dawns, we must be clear about what’s coming. We know where our mayor stands. Or sits. But we will march for each other, every way we can.

If you’re reading this, you’re welcome in the BSR community, if you weren’t here already. We’re gathering in person to celebrate our 20th anniversary, and ensure our work in 2026, with a fundraiser on January 15. Join us!