Philadelphia, January 25, 2026
Activists gathered outside the Free Library of Philadelphia to protest federal immigration enforcement actions, coinciding with a book event by Governor Josh Shapiro. The protest highlighted community demands for greater autonomy and transparency in local immigration policies. Protesters urged the governor to end cooperation with ICE and emphasized individual rights and privacy in the immigration debate. Shapiro responded, outlining his administration’s stance on immigration enforcement, emphasizing police policies that do not inquire about immigration status.
Philadelphia, PA – Governor Shapiro Addresses Anti-ICE Protesters Outside Library Event
Protest Highlights Ongoing Immigration Debates
The demonstration outside the Free Library of Philadelphia on January 24, 2026, brought together activists and community members in response to federal immigration enforcement actions. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro took the opportunity to address the crowd, coinciding with nationwide unrest following a shooting incident involving immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis.
This protest, organized by local immigrant rights organizations, reflects a growing concern over the ways local and state governments engage with federal immigration policies. Communities across Philadelphia are increasingly vocal about their priorities, demanding greater autonomy and transparency regarding how immigration enforcement impacts their neighborhoods.
Protesters’ Demands
The demonstrators called on Governor Shapiro to end the practice of granting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to state databases containing facial recognition data without judicial warrants. Their goal is to cease all cooperation between the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and ICE, emphasizing the importance of individual rights and privacy in the fight for immigrant justice.
Governor Shapiro’s Response
In his remarks, Governor Shapiro clearly articulated the policies of his administration concerning immigration enforcement. He stated that the Pennsylvania State Police do not inquire about individuals’ immigration status, nor do they share such information with federal authorities. Additionally, he reiterated that outside agencies do not have unrestricted access to state databases. Shapiro’s office also made it clear that the state police are not authorized to conduct immigration enforcement or serve federal immigration warrants, a point designed to alleviate concerns about overreach.
Background Context
The protest was organized by the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), alongside allied immigrant rights organizations. This coalition has been advocating for months for Governor Shapiro to use his executive authority to end Pennsylvania’s cooperation with ICE entirely. These grassroots initiatives highlight the role of local leadership in shaping public policy and community welfare.
The statewide conversation surrounding immigration continues to evolve, especially as incidents like the aforementioned shooting mobilize community activists who demand accountability and policy changes. Governor Shapiro’s previous statements on related issues reveal his ongoing engagement with these complex topics.
Conclusion
The protest outside the Free Library of Philadelphia encapsulates the important conversations taking place around immigration policy and local governance. As communities assert their rights and priorities, it is essential for public officials to navigate these discussions with transparency and integrity. Encouraging community participation and promoting policies that respect individual rights can lead to a more engaged and empowered citizenry. Readers are encouraged to stay informed and involved in local events to foster civic engagement and support initiatives that drive positive change.
FAQ
What prompted the protest outside the Free Library of Philadelphia?
The protest was organized in response to the fatal shooting of a man by federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, which has sparked nationwide protests. Protesters gathered outside Governor Shapiro’s book event to demand an end to Pennsylvania’s cooperation with ICE.
What are the protesters’ main demands?
The protesters called on Governor Shapiro to cease granting ICE access to state databases containing facial recognition data without judicial warrants and to end cooperation between the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and ICE.
How did Governor Shapiro respond to the protesters?
Governor Shapiro stated that Pennsylvania State Police do not inquire about individuals’ immigration status and do not share such information with federal authorities. He emphasized that outside agencies do not have unrestricted access to state databases and clarified that the administration does not permit the Pennsylvania State Police to conduct immigration enforcement or serve federal immigration warrants.
Who organized the protest?
The protest was organized by the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) and allied immigrant rights organizations. They have been advocating for months for Governor Shapiro to use his executive authority to end Pennsylvania’s cooperation with ICE.
Has Governor Shapiro addressed similar issues before?
Yes, in December 2023, Governor Shapiro condemned a pro-Palestinian protest outside a Jewish-owned restaurant in Philadelphia, describing it as antisemitic.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protest Location | Free Library of Philadelphia’s main branch |
| Governor’s Event | Book event for “Where We Keep the Light” |
| Protesters’ Demands | End ICE access to state databases without warrants; cease cooperation between Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and ICE |
| Governor’s Response | Emphasized that Pennsylvania State Police do not inquire about immigration status or share such information with federal authorities; clarified that outside agencies do not have unrestricted access to state databases; stated that the administration does not permit the Pennsylvania State Police to conduct immigration enforcement or serve federal immigration warrants |
| Protest Organizers | Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) and allied immigrant rights organizations |
| Background | Protest coincided with the fatal shooting of a man by federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, sparking nationwide protests |
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