HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 26 — Leadership of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issued a forceful statement Monday following another deadly incident involving federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota, denouncing what they described as a pattern of excessive and dangerous tactics under the current administration.
In the statement, the chair, vice chair, and secretary of the caucus condemned federal immigration agencies, asserting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal personnel have shown a “reckless disregard for human life and community safety.”
According to the caucus, the latest fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis reflects a broader trend of “aggressive, militarized immigration enforcement that terrorizes communities, undermines public trust, and endangers both civilians and legitimate law enforcement officers.”
The caucus criticized the frequent practice of ICE agents presenting themselves as local law enforcement, arguing that such tactics damage the trust required for effective public safety efforts across Pennsylvania.
“We reject the false choice between public safety and immigrant rights”
Caucus leaders emphasized that true public safety must be built on “transparency, accountability, restraint, and respect for due process — not fear, intimidation, or lethal force.” They warned that rising violence linked to federal immigration operations should alarm residents “regardless of immigration status.”
They also faulted the federal administration for obstructing congressional oversight and urged U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick to vote NO on the FY 2026 Department of Homeland Security funding bill.
Call for legislative action in Pennsylvania
The caucus urged House leadership in Harrisburg to advance state legislation designed to strengthen protections for immigrant communities and limit entanglement with federal immigration enforcement. They specifically called for prioritizing several bills:
- H.B. 1113 (Rep. Ismail Smith Wade-El): Creates an Office of New Pennsylvanians to coordinate immigrant integration and protect newcomers’ rights.
- H.B. 1281 (Rep. Joe Hohenstein): Aids crime victims seeking legal status.
- H.B. 1518 (Rep. Danilo Burgos): Expands driver’s licenses for all residents to improve public safety.
- H.B. 1873 (Rep. Abigail Salisbury): Bars the Pennsylvania State Police from carrying out immigration arrests.
- H.B. 1880 (Rep. Paul Friel) — Officer Visibility Act: Prohibits federal officers from using face coverings or masks.
- H.B. 1968 (Rep. Chris Pielli): Holds ICE accountable for unlawful search and seizure practices.
- Additional legislation to ensure access to legal counsel for immigrants facing detention or deportation.
Urging executive action from Gov. Shapiro
The caucus also called on Governor Josh Shapiro to use his executive authority to protect immigrant communities, including ending state collaboration with ICE and prohibiting the sharing of sensitive personal information with federal immigration authorities.
Solidarity with Minnesota community
Leadership voiced solidarity with communities nationwide impacted by an ongoing surge in federal immigration enforcement, including the Minneapolis community where a resident was fatally shot by federal agents — the latest in a series of incidents drawing widespread criticism and demands for accountability.
“We remain steadfast in advancing policies rooted in dignity, due process, and humanity,” the caucus stated. “We will continue fighting for our immigrant neighbors in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.”