A new law is has the city of brotherly love is offering sanctuary to the city’s immigrant communities.

According to The Inquirer, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, in his first day in office, signed an executive order on Monday that no longer forces people to cooperate with local law enforcement and federal deportation agents. 

“This action to protect new Philadelphians comes at a time when ICE is organizing raids, terrorizing our communities and shattering lives,” Erika Almiron, executive director of immigrant activist group Juntos, told Metro News.

The Washington Post reported that as early as this month ICE agents would be launching a large-scale campaign to deport families who have fled violence in their home countries like Central America. While at times cited as a national security concern, the move comes amidst growing surge in xenophobia. 

By no longer having to cooperate with the agency, the city is considered a “sanctuary city” offering empathy where it would otherwise be lacking.