Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro speaks during the Shapiro-Davis re-election campaign kickoff rally at The Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. January 8, 2026. REUTERS/Hannah Beier
(Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) – Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is pushing back against reports that the federal government is quietly purchasing vacant warehouse properties across the state for potential use as ICE detention centers.
In a sharply worded post on X, Shapiro wrote:
https://x.com/GovernorShapiro/status/2027142270957580324?s=20
The governor’s remarks reflect growing tension between state leaders and federal immigration authorities over enforcement operations and detention capacity.
Concerns Over Local Impact
Shapiro’s statement suggests concerns about the strain new detention facilities could place on local infrastructure, including emergency services, housing markets, and transportation systems.
It is not immediately clear which specific locations are under consideration or whether formal agreements have been finalized. Federal officials have not publicly confirmed details about any planned conversions.
The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have expanded detention capacity nationwide in recent years amid increased immigration enforcement efforts.
Political Fallout
Shapiro’s comments underscore the broader political divide over immigration policy, with Democratic governors in several states opposing expanded detention operations in their jurisdictions.
Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, have argued that increased detention capacity is necessary to enforce federal immigration law and manage border-related backlogs.
As of Thursday, there has been no official response from ICE or the Department of Homeland Security addressing Shapiro’s allegations.
More information is expected as federal and state officials clarify the status of the reported warehouse acquisitions.
