Philly-Afghan Info Hub Weekly Newsletter - Jan 30, 2026

Hi everyone, we hope you made it through the recent snowstorm and cold weather safely and that you’re staying warm. This week’s newsletter covers major national developments around immigration enforcement and federal funding, important local updates in Philadelphia including the city’s proposed ICE OUT legislation and ongoing snow cleanup, and urgent news from Afghanistan about new Taliban laws tightening repression. As always, we’re sharing what’s happening and why it matters for the Afghan community here and beyond.

U.S. News

1. Fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis (Immigration Alert)

• On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and Minneapolis resident, was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Pretti, who worked at the Veterans Affairs medical center, was legally carrying a handgun but was disarmed by agents before being shot multiple times. Federal officials say the agents fired in self-defense during a struggle, but witness accounts and multiple video sources dispute that narrative, showing Pretti was trying to assist a woman who had been shoved and pepper-sprayed by agents and was not threatening officers when shots were fired.

 • The Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the incident amid widespread public outcry, bipartisan calls in Congress for accountability, and protests in Minneapolis and beyond.

Why it matters: This case raises serious questions about how immigration officers use force during enforcement actions. What happens next could affect how similar operations are handled in other U.S. cities and how safe residents feel when federal agents operate in their communities.

2. Government shutdown averted after bipartisan spending deal (Politics)

• Republicans and Democrats reached an agreement this week to prevent a partial U.S. government shutdown that was set to begin Friday. Lawmakers separated the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding from the main spending bill and passed the other parts of the budget through September. DHS will be funded at current levels for two more weeks while lawmakers continue negotiating its long-term funding. The split comes after Democratic demands for reforms to immigration enforcement, especially following protests over the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renée Good at the hands of federal immigration agents.

Why it matters: Funding bills shape how federal agencies operate and how communities are protected. A shutdown would disrupt government services and benefits, and the ongoing fight over DHS funding could affect future immigration policy and enforcement reform. 

Philadelphia / Local News

1. Philadelphia City Council introduces “ICE OUT” legislation (Local / Immigration)

• Philadelphia City Council members unveiled a package of bills called “ICE OUT” aimed at limiting how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can operate in the city. The proposals would ban ICE agents from concealing their identities (like wearing masks or using unmarked vehicles), stop ICE from using city-owned property for raids, block collaboration between city agencies and ICE on data or enforcement, and prohibit discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status in city services and by employers. The bills have strong support from at least 14 of the city’s 17 council members and will move to committee hearings before a vote. If approved by Council and signed by the mayor, these changes would create some of Philadelphia’s strictest local limits on federal immigration enforcement.

Why it matters: Philadelphia is home to many Afghan immigrants, including refugees, parolees, and asylum seekers. If passed, this legislation would help protect Afghan families from detention, reduce fear around accessing city services, and make it safer for community members to go to work, school, and medical appointments.

2. Ongoing snow cleanup and more winter weather ahead (Local / Weather)

• Philadelphia Streets and Sanitation crews are still clearing roads and sidewalks following Sunday’s snowstorm, one of the largest the city has seen in over a decade. The storm forced the city into a state of emergency and led to school closures, court delays, and SEPTA service disruptions. While many major roads have reopened, some residential streets and parked cars remain snowed in. Residents who are still experiencing snow-related issues, including blocked streets or unsafe conditions, are encouraged to call 311 to report problems or request city assistance. City officials are also warning that another snowstorm is likely this weekend.

Why it matters: Many Afghan families rely on public transportation, city services, and safe road access for work, school, and medical appointments. Knowing how to report snow issues and prepare for more winter weather can help reduce disruptions and keep community members safe.

Afghanistan / Diaspora News

1. Taliban introduce new penal code tightening repression (Afghanistan)

• In early January, the Taliban introduced a new penal code to be enforced across Afghanistan. The law strengthens harsh punishments, restricts freedom of expression, and formalizes discrimination—especially against women and marginalized groups. Afghan human rights groups say the code treats women as property, weakens protections for children, and even includes references that appear to legitimize slavery.

Why it matters: This new law further strips Afghans of basic rights and protections and deepens the humanitarian crisis, increasing the urgency for international attention and support for Afghan communities at home and in the diaspora.

2. First snowfall of the year hits Kabul amid ongoing city challenges (Afghanistan / Weather)

• During the past week, Kabul saw its first snowfall of the current year. After several years of drought, many residents were happy to see snow return. However, most streets remain icy and difficult to navigate, with steep roads across the city. Observers report that Taliban authorities have not cleared snow or spread salt, leaving public roads hazardous and contributing to vehicle accidents.

Why it matters: While the snow brings joy after years of drought, it also highlights the Taliban’s weak infrastructure and limited crisis management, showing the risks residents face during winter under the current government.