Philadelphia Congressional Nominee Challenges Framing of Immigration Enforcement, Police Work

Pennsylvania State Rep. Chris Rabb, the Democratic socialist nominee positioned to represent most of Philadelphia in Congress, rejected the terminology of “illegal immigrants” during a recent interview and disputed assumptions about law enforcement priorities. The West Oak Lane Democrat has built his legislative reputation in Harrisburg by advancing progressive initiatives including death penalty abolition and Pennsylvania’s transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Rabb’s policy platform encompasses Medicare-for-all, universal basic income, federal job guarantees, guaranteed housing, universal childcare, and government-operated grocery stores, positions Fox News host Sean Hannity characterized as “far-left, radical.” When pressed on whether he supports amnesty and open borders, Rabb challenged the question’s underlying assumptions rather than directly answering.

The lawmaker stated he wants to dismantle U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and end all deportations, framing immigration violations as non-criminal matters. He cited an immigration reform package by Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma and former Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona that he said the current administration blocked.

Regarding police abolition, Rabb contended that organized policing did not exist in early America and claimed 99% of police work does not target criminals. He argued that before Philadelphia established its centralized police department in 1854, communities maintained safety through other mechanisms including elected constables and civilian watchmen.

Rabb defeated state Sen. Sharif Street in May’s primary despite backing from incumbent Mayor Cherelle Parker and former Gov. Edward Rendell. He faces independent candidate Dennis Mahoney in November, with no Republican nominees in the heavily Democratic district.