PA Governor Opposes Potential ICE Crackdown

Shapiro warns against 'chaos' as immigration agents step up operations in Pittsburgh area

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has spoken out against a potential ramp-up of immigration enforcement activities by ICE in the state, advising the agency not to come to the Keystone State as officials are prepared to address an immigration 'blitz' but do not want 'that kind of chaos in our communities'.

Why it matters

Shapiro's comments reflect ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration policy, with the governor seeking to limit the impact of aggressive ICE operations on local communities in Pennsylvania.

The details

Governor Shapiro made his remarks during an appearance on the ABC News program 'This Week', where he expressed opposition to increased ICE activity that has already been underway for months in the Pittsburgh area. The governor said state officials are prepared to address any immigration enforcement surge, but advised ICE not to escalate its presence in Pennsylvania.

  • Governor Shapiro spoke out against ICE operations during an appearance on ABC's 'This Week' program yesterday (February 22, 2026).
  • Immigration agents have already been active in the Pittsburgh area for months.

The players

Governor Josh Shapiro

The current governor of Pennsylvania who has spoken out against potential increases in ICE activity in the state.

ICE

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that has been conducting immigration enforcement operations in the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania.

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What they’re saying

“We do not want that kind of chaos in our communities.”

— Governor Josh Shapiro (This Week)

The takeaway

Governor Shapiro's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, as Pennsylvania seeks to limit the impact of aggressive ICE operations on local communities.