ICYMI: Governor Shapiro Meets with Local Leaders from Berks and Schuylkill Counties to Discuss Anticipated Harm Caused by ICE Detention Centers on Local Communities in Pennsylvania

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February 27, 2026- Leesport, PA

ICYMI: Governor Shapiro Meets with Local Leaders from Berks and Schuylkill Counties to Discuss Anticipated Harm Caused by ICE Detention Centers on Local Communities in Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro joined Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker, and senior leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at a meeting with local officials to discuss the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s plans to convert two recently purchased commercial warehouses into mass immigration detention centers in Pennsylvania.

The Governor convened the discussion with local elected officials and community leaders from Berks and Schuylkill counties, the counties where DHS has planned to operate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in the Commonwealth. Despite bipartisan opposition, the Trump Administration has repeatedly ignored the concerns from these local officials, who know their communities best.

"While the federal government ignores Pennsylvanians and their local leaders, I remain committed to protecting the interests of every resident of our Commonwealth," said Governor Shapiro. "We do not want these detention centers in our communities - they pose serious health, safety, and economic risks to the people of Berks and Schuylkill counties. If the federal government continues to move forward with these plans, my Administration will aggressively pursue every option to prevent these facilities from opening and needlessly harming the good people of Pennsylvania."

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