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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has identified Lancaster as a potential target for upcoming Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, along with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The governor made these statements amid growing concerns that Pennsylvania could be next after controversial ICE operations in Minnesota.
"A fundamental responsibility for government is to keep people safe, and part of the way you keep people safe is by building trust between law enforcement and the community," Shapiro said in an interview on "Good Morning America."
The governor promised that Pennsylvania would be prepared "in the community and in the courtroom" if federal agents arrive. His comments come as tensions escalate following two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, including the death of Alex Pretti on Saturday.
Shapiro has called for the immediate termination of ICE operations in Minnesota and for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be removed from office. In a CNN appearance, Shapiro criticized the federal operation as "compromised" and accused the Trump administration of violating constitutional rights.
Nine members of Shapiro's Cabinet have issued a letter describing the Minnesota situation as "a clear abuse of power" that reflects "a disregard for the rule of law by federal agencies that are not following long-established law enforcement procedures and tactics," according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania State Representative Abigail Salisbury has introduced legislation to ban state police from working with ICE. Although current state police policy already prohibits such cooperation, Salisbury argues that policies can be easily changed and wants protections codified in law.
Secretary Noem has defended the actions of federal agents in Minneapolis, claiming that Pretti "had a weapon on him and multiple, dozens of rounds of ammunition, wishing to inflict harm on these officers."
The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus has called on Governor Shapiro to "use the full scope of his executive and administrative authority to protect immigrant communities" and is pushing for several bills related to immigration enforcement.