Pittsburgh nonprofits and community groups have stepped up their support for immigrants as ICE enforcement surges across Western Pennsylvania in 2025. This urgent response comes after a sharp rise in detentions, new federal policies, and growing fear among local immigrant families.
Since January 20, 2025, ICE has detained at least 447 people in the Pittsburgh area—a 267% jump from the same period last year. Nationwide, ICE has detained 111,590 people as of late June. The Trump administration has ordered ICE to arrest 3,000 immigrants daily and boosted funding by $75 billion to expand detention capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 beds. These changes have led to more visible ICE activity, including high-profile raids like the early-morning detention of 10 people at a local taquería in April. Such events have shaken businesses and left many immigrants afraid to leave their homes.

Local nonprofits are now at the center of the response. Casa San Jose, led by Executive Director Mónica Ruiz, has become a key hub for Latino and immigrant advocacy. The group offers emergency legal help, rapid response to raids, and community education. Ruiz says, “People are so scared, they’re not going to work, they’re not sending their kids to school, and businesses are empty.” This fear has spread as reports surface of ICE detaining people with valid visas and even some U.S. citizens, sometimes deporting them without due process.
Pittsburgh Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center (PRIAC), part of Jewish Family and Children’s Service, provides housing help, case management, English classes, job training, and legal services for immigrants. They help with adjustment of status, asylum, and naturalization. Jewish Family & Children’s Service – Legal Services for Immigrants and Internationals (LSII) offers legal representation for DACA, TPS, U visas, VAWA petitions, and removal hearings, as well as job support and trauma counseling.
Hello Neighbor has supported over 3,500 refugees and immigrants in Pittsburgh since 2017, helping with housing, jobs, education, and health care. Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC) helps immigrants in Allegheny County get food, pay rent and utilities, find transportation, access health care, and connect with legal resources. ISAC serves people from over 100 countries and can be reached at www.isacpittsburgh.org or 412-742-4200.
Volunteer rapid response networks, often organized by Pittsburgh nonprofits, now track ICE movements, offer “Know Your Rights” training, and escort immigrants to court or work to lower the risk of arrest. These volunteers are a lifeline for many families, helping them feel less alone and more prepared.
The federal government’s approach has changed sharply in 2025. The Trump administration has expanded 287(g) agreements, which allow local police to help enforce immigration law. As of July 29, 2025, 28 local agencies in Pennsylvania have signed these agreements, with two more pending. In the Pittsburgh region, law enforcement agencies in Butler and Washington counties, Sewickley Township, Unity Township, Lower Burrell Fourth Ward (Westmoreland County), New Sewickley Township (Beaver County), Robinson Township, and Monroeville State Constable’s Office (Allegheny County) now work with ICE. Most use a “task force model,” meaning officers can enforce immigration law during routine duties.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has refused to let city police cooperate with ICE, supporting immigrant inclusion. However, this does not stop federal agents from making arrests in the city. “We will not let fear rule our neighborhoods,” Gainey said in a recent statement. Still, the presence of ICE and cooperating local agencies has left many immigrants feeling unsafe, even in places that claim to be welcoming.
For many immigrants, daily life has changed. Some avoid public spaces, schools, and even grocery stores out of fear. There is widespread confusion, with routine police activity often mistaken for ICE enforcement. Legal service providers say their phones “ring nonstop” as families seek urgent help. Policy changes have also made it harder for immigrants to get released on bond, leading to longer detentions—even for those with no criminal record or risk of fleeing.
To help immigrants stay safe, Pittsburgh nonprofits and legal experts recommend several steps:
- Know your rights: Immigrants have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right not to open the door unless ICE has a warrant signed by a judge.
- Contact local nonprofits: Groups like Casa San Jose, ISAC, and Jewish Family & Children’s Service offer legal and emergency support.
- Attend “Know Your Rights” workshops: These sessions teach people what to do if ICE comes to their home or workplace.
- Carry emergency contact cards: These cards list important phone numbers and legal information.
- Use rapid response networks: Volunteers can accompany immigrants to court or work, making it less likely they will be targeted.
For legal help, immigrants can reach out to:
- Jewish Family & Children’s Service
- Casa San Jose
- ISAC or call 412-742-4200
Pittsburgh’s network of immigrant support groups has grown stronger since the city created the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) in January 2022. OIRA coordinates the Welcoming Communities network and provides resources for immigrants and refugees. The current crackdown, however, is the most aggressive in over a decade, reversing earlier policies that limited ICE activity in sensitive places and focused on removing people with criminal records.
The Trump administration’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” has set aside $170 billion for immigration enforcement, with $75 billion going to ICE expansion. This means enforcement is likely to continue or even increase in the coming months. More local police agencies in Pennsylvania have pending 287(g) applications, which could give ICE even more reach.
Nonprofits expect demand for legal and social services to stay high. Many are seeking more funding and volunteers to keep up. “We’re doing everything we can, but the need just keeps growing,” says Mónica Ruiz of Casa San Jose.
The crackdown has sparked strong opinions. Supporters say tough enforcement is needed for national security and to restore order at the border. Critics, including nonprofit leaders and civil liberties groups, warn that these policies put vulnerable people at risk, break up families, and make immigrant neighborhoods less safe. “When people are afraid to call the police or go to the doctor, everyone suffers,” says a volunteer with a rapid response network.
The situation remains tense and highly polarized. Legal challenges and advocacy efforts continue as groups fight to protect immigrant rights and limit local cooperation with ICE. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the rapid expansion of ICE enforcement and 287(g) agreements has created new risks for immigrants and increased the workload for Pittsburgh nonprofits.
For those affected, staying informed is key. Immigrants and advocates should:
- Monitor local nonprofit websites for updates
- Subscribe to the OIRA newsletter
- Stay in contact with legal service providers
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website offers official information about immigration forms, rights, and procedures. Immigrants facing removal proceedings should review the Notice to Appear (Form I-862) and seek legal help right away.
Community volunteers continue to play a vital role. They organize rides to court, translate documents, and help families prepare emergency plans. Their work, often behind the scenes, helps keep families together and gives hope during uncertain times.
Looking ahead, Pittsburgh nonprofits are preparing for a long-term response. They are training more volunteers, expanding legal clinics, and working with schools, churches, and businesses to support immigrants. “We need everyone—neighbors, teachers, business owners—to stand with our immigrant community,” says Ruiz.
The impact of ICE enforcement goes beyond those directly detained. It affects children who are afraid to go to school, workers who fear losing their jobs, and entire neighborhoods that feel less safe. By working together, Pittsburgh nonprofits, volunteers, and community leaders hope to build a safer, more welcoming city for all.
For more information or help, contact:
- Pittsburgh Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA)
- ISAC, 412-742-4200
- Casa San Jose
- Jewish Family & Children’s Service
- Hello Neighbor
As the situation evolves, staying connected to trusted organizations and knowing your rights remain the best ways for immigrants to protect themselves and their families.
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