Thomas West Urges Mayor Gainey to cooperate with ICE & all law enforcement agencies.

Mayoral candidate & business entrepreneur Thomas West urges city leadership to prioritize public safety by cooperating with ICE and all law enforcement agencies to protect Pittsburgh residents. West believes that ensuring public safety should be the mayor’s top priority and warns that failing to uphold federal immigration enforcement sets a dangerous precedent for the city.

“Our city has always been, and should continue to be, a welcoming place for immigrants. However, those who commit crimes—regardless of their immigration status—must be held accountable,” said West. “As a major metropolitan area, Pittsburgh cannot afford to disregard cooperation with law enforcement agencies at any level. Mayor Gainey and County Controller Corey O’Connor’s stance on this issue reflects a troubling disconnect between city leadership and the concerns of residents across all 90 neighborhoods.”

West also emphasized the importance of fully supporting local law enforcement. “At a time when we are struggling to retain and recruit police officers, we should be doing everything in our power to reinforce public safety—not undermine it.”

Referencing his own experience as a crime victim, West reaffirmed his commitment to accountability. “When I first announced my candidacy, I shared the story of how my partner, Adam, and I were assaulted downtown. Pittsburgh should be a city that welcomes all, but it must also be a city that enforces the law fairly and consistently.”

West urges city leadership to allow police officers to uphold their oath to both the laws of Pennsylvania and the US Constitution.