Coalition of 95 groups calls for an end to state collaboration with ICE and expanded protections for immigrant families
A coalition of 95 organizations, including nonprofit groups, faith congregations, and businesses from across Pennsylvania, has urged Gov. Josh Shapiro to take immediate executive action to protect immigrant communities and end state collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.
The call came in the form of an open letter delivered to the Shapiro Administration on December 18, International Migrants Day, by the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition. The letter was signed by Pennsylvania-based and national nonprofit organizations, as well as congregations and businesses representing communities from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and rural regions throughout the Commonwealth.
In the letter, advocates ask the governor to use his executive authority to halt existing cooperation between state agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and to enact new administrative protections for immigrants living in Pennsylvania.
Among the actions requested are removing ICE access to state databases without judicial warrants, ending enforcement of ICE detainers at the state level, and prohibiting immigration arrests in state facilities without a judicial order. The letter also urges the governor to support legislation that would allow driver’s licenses for all residents, publicly welcome refugees and asylum seekers to the state, and meet directly with immigrant rights organizations.
The coalition emphasized the economic and social contributions of immigrant communities, noting that immigrants contribute more than $523 million in state taxes each year. At the same time, the letter warns that collaboration between state systems and federal immigration enforcement has fueled fear, instability, and harm within immigrant communities.
Advocates said the impact extends beyond immigrant families, affecting farms, schools, healthcare systems, small businesses, and local economies across Pennsylvania.