Shapiro Addresses Protests amid Nationwide Immigration Enforcement scrutiny
Pennsylvania’s governor responded to demonstrators calling for limits on data sharing with ICE as a separate incident involving a fatal shooting by federal agents sparked nationwide protests.
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed protesters outside the Free Library of Philadelphia on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
- The protests centered on concerns about data sharing between Pennsylvania law enforcement and Immigration and customs Enforcement (ICE).
- The demonstration occurred on the same day a man was fatally shot by federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis,Minnesota,fueling protests across the country.
- Shapiro’s governance maintains that state police do not inquire about individuals’ immigration status and dose not provide that data to the federal government.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro directly responded to anti-ICE protesters gathered outside a book event at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s main branch on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The demonstration coincided with growing national unrest following a shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where federal immigration enforcement agents fatally shot a man.
The Philadelphia protesters specifically demanded shapiro halt the sharing of facial recognition data with ICE without judicial warrants and end cooperation between the state’s Department of Corrections and ICE, among other requests.
“Our state police does not ask people their status, and we do not share any of that with the federal government,” shapiro stated at the event, which promoted his new book, “Where We keep the light.”
What access do outside agencies have to Pennsylvania’s state databases? According to a statement provided to media outlets by Shapiro’s spokesperson, Will Simon, “Outside agencies do not have unfettered access to state databases. As it has for years, PSP may share information with federal, local, and other state law enforcement agencies when necessary during the course of a criminal investigation.There are legitimate investigations that involve foreign nationals who have committed crimes in PA or elsewhere that would require immigration enforcement agencies to seek access to information contained in Commonwealth-run databases.”
Simon further clarified that the Shapiro administration prohibits Pennsylvania State Police from conducting immigration enforcement or executing immigration warrants issued by the federal government. Additionally, the state does not lease any facilities to ICE or the Department of Homeland Security.
“Governor Shapiro has made clear that everyone is welcome in Pennsylvania, no matter who you are, what you look like, who you love, or who you pray to,” Simon said. “He will continue to stand with Pennsylvania’s immigrant communities.”
The protests in Philadelphia mirrored a national wave of demonstrations sparked by the shooting in Minneapolis. According to reporting from the Associated Press, bystander video of the Minneapolis incident showed officers attempting to restrain a man who appeared to resist. several gunshots were then heard, and officers retreated as the man fell motionless.
Explanation of Changes & How Questions are Answered:
* Why: Protests erupted in Philadelphia and nationwide due to concerns about data sharing between state law enforcement and ICE, and a fatal shooting by federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis.
* Who: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the protesters. The protesters were concerned citizens and immigrant advocacy groups. The shooting involved federal immigration enforcement agents and a man in Minneapolis.
* What: Protesters demanded Shapiro halt facial recognition data sharing with ICE without warrants and end cooperation between the state’s Department of Corrections and ICE. the Minneapolis shooting involved a man fatally shot by federal agents during an attempted restraint.
* How did it end?: The article doesn’t provide a
