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Shapiro vows to block ICE detention centers, warning of devastating impact on PA communities
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette link: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2026/02/26/pennsylvania-josh-shapiro-ice-detention-berks-schuylkill/stories/202602260119
The governor affirmed his opposition after a private bipartisan meeting with state representatives and commissioners of Berks and Schuylkill counties
READING, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro says he will use “every tool at his disposal” to stop planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers in Berks and Schuylkill counties, although he stopped short of discussing what levers his administration may pull.
Following a bipartisan meeting of local officials on Thursday, Mr. Shapiro reaffirmed his strong opposition to the facilities but said he wanted to be careful about “projecting” the specific legal steps that may be taken. Earlier this week, Maryland’s attorney general filed a lawsuit to block a detention center there.
“I've taken this president to court 19 times [as governor], not lost a single case,” Mr. Shapiro said in a news conference after the meeting. “Part of the reason why we're so successful is we don't forecast all of it ahead of time. We dot our i's, we cross our t's.”
... [snip] ...
An ICE spokesperson said in a statement to Spotlight PA that the planned facilities in Tremont and Upper Bern Township “will undergo community impact studies and a rigorous due diligence process to make sure there is no hardship on local utilities or infrastructure prior to purchase.” The representative, whom ICE did not name in the email to Spotlight PA, also said the agency expected the facilities to create 11,000 jobs and bring in more than $283.4 million in tax revenue.
It is unclear how ICE calculated its estimate or if the agency completed an economic assessment.
Mr. Shapiro contradicted ICE’s general claims and said the facilities would hurt, not help, the local economies, as well as take water, sewer, health care, and emergency services resources from residents.
“We want to be able to create the kind of jobs that are going to be family-sustaining,” Mr. Shapiro said. “We want to create the kind of jobs that aren't going to undermine the trust in the community between law enforcement and the neighbors that they serve and protect.”
- more at link -
READING, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro says he will use “every tool at his disposal” to stop planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers in Berks and Schuylkill counties, although he stopped short of discussing what levers his administration may pull.
Following a bipartisan meeting of local officials on Thursday, Mr. Shapiro reaffirmed his strong opposition to the facilities but said he wanted to be careful about “projecting” the specific legal steps that may be taken. Earlier this week, Maryland’s attorney general filed a lawsuit to block a detention center there.
“I've taken this president to court 19 times [as governor], not lost a single case,” Mr. Shapiro said in a news conference after the meeting. “Part of the reason why we're so successful is we don't forecast all of it ahead of time. We dot our i's, we cross our t's.”
... [snip] ...
An ICE spokesperson said in a statement to Spotlight PA that the planned facilities in Tremont and Upper Bern Township “will undergo community impact studies and a rigorous due diligence process to make sure there is no hardship on local utilities or infrastructure prior to purchase.” The representative, whom ICE did not name in the email to Spotlight PA, also said the agency expected the facilities to create 11,000 jobs and bring in more than $283.4 million in tax revenue.
It is unclear how ICE calculated its estimate or if the agency completed an economic assessment.
Mr. Shapiro contradicted ICE’s general claims and said the facilities would hurt, not help, the local economies, as well as take water, sewer, health care, and emergency services resources from residents.
“We want to be able to create the kind of jobs that are going to be family-sustaining,” Mr. Shapiro said. “We want to create the kind of jobs that aren't going to undermine the trust in the community between law enforcement and the neighbors that they serve and protect.”
Please note that this story was distilled from a story that was originally published by Spotlight PA (Berks County group).
Link: http://spotlightpa.org/newsletters/gooddayberks
