Yesterday, Pennsylvania district attorneys and sheriffs from several counties wrote a letter to Katie McGinty, Democratic nominee for Senate, suggesting that she joins the the efforts to end Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s “strict sanctuary policy” and to work with President Obama to track criminals entering the country illegally.

So-called “sanctuary cities” are jurisdictions that employ a policy of not arresting an individual simply because they are an illegal immigrant.

The text of the letter is presented below:

“The Obama administration asked that Mayor Kenney allow local law enforcement members in Philadelphia to work with federal immigration agents to identify violent criminals, gang members and suspected terrorists who are living in Philadelphia illegally. Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell oppose sanctuary cities and have called for greater cooperation between local and federal officials in order to protect Pennsylvania citizens.

As the top law enforcement officers for the counties in which we serve, we are very concerned about Mayor Kenney’s lack of cooperation with federal officials. Philadelphia is our state’s largest city and tourist destination. Millions of our constituents visit Philadelphia each year to take in the sights, catch a ballgame, or see a show. Mayor Kenney’s sanctuary city policy threatens the security of all Pennsylvanians.

As law enforcement officers, we believe public safety supersedes any and all political matters. As a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, we hope you will use your influence to reach out to Mayor Kenney and join the bipartisan call for Mayor Kenney to end Philadelphia’s sanctuary city policy.

When we put aside our political differences and work together for the betterment of all Pennsylvanians, we can affect positive change that makes a real difference. With President Obama, former Gov. Ed Rendell, former Mayor Michael Nutter, and Sen. Pat Toomey all working to dismantle sanctuary cities, we have a genuine opportunity for bipartisan cooperation. Please join us in keeping Pennsylvania safe.”

The letter comes on the heels of a recent radio ad released by Sen. Toomey attacking McGinty’s stance over cities shielding undocumented immigrants.

The letter is signed by several district attorneys and county sheriffs throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

Ed Duke Donnelly, Bucks County Sheriff

Tom Hogan, Chester County District Attorney

Carolyn Bunny Welsh, Chester County Sheriff

Jack Whelan, Delaware County District Attorney

Mary Hopper, Delaware County Sheriff

Ed Marsico, Dauphin County District Attorney

Jonathan Held, Westmoreland County Sheriff

Mike Slupe, Butler County Sheriff

Miles Karson, Mercer County District Attorney

Mike Piecuch, Snyder County District Attorney

John Zechman, Snyder County Sheriff

Dave Freed, Cumberland County District Attorney

Matthew Fogal, Franklin County District Attorney

Eric Linhardt, Lycoming County District Attorney

Stefanie Salavantis, Luzerne County District Attorney

David Dalrymple, Northampton County Sheriff

Tom Kearney, York County District Attorney

Bill Higgins, Bedford County District Attorney

Jim Martin, Lehigh County District Attorney

Lance Benedict, Susquehanna County Sheriff