Gov. Josh Shapiro announced his intention to block the establishment of two Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities planned for Berks and Schuylkill counties, citing concerns from local officials about the potential impact on resources and services.Presser held near warehouses intended for ICEShapiro spoke in Berks County on Thursday, near the warehouses ICE intends to convert into a processing center, following a meeting with local officials who expressed concerns about the prospects of ICE opening a processing facility for people living illegally in the country.”I’m going to do everything in my legal power and my regulatory power,” Shapiro said.Concerns about water supplies and first responder servicesShapiro highlighted concerns about water supplies being exhausted and fire and EMS services being stretched thin due to the influx of thousands of people.He referenced previous litigation against the Trump administration as a reason for not revealing his specific actions, stating, “Part of the reason why we’re so successful is we don’t forecast all of it ahead of time. We dot our eyes, we cross our T’s, we follow the law, unlike this administration. Washington. So, I think, my answer to you on that would be stay tuned.”Congressman Dan MeuserCongressman Dan Meuser noted that the facilities could bring roughly 2,000 jobs to the area.However, he acknowledged the serious concerns raised by recent developments, sharing questions about:Sewage capacityUtility usageTransportation impactsSecurity considerationsNews 8 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a response to Shapiro’s comments but have not received a reply.

BERKS COUNTY, Pa. —

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced his intention to block the establishment of two Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities planned for Berks and Schuylkill counties, citing concerns from local officials about the potential impact on resources and services.

Presser held near warehouses intended for ICE

Shapiro spoke in Berks County on Thursday, near the warehouses ICE intends to convert into a processing center, following a meeting with local officials who expressed concerns about the prospects of ICE opening a processing facility for people living illegally in the country.

“I’m going to do everything in my legal power and my regulatory power,” Shapiro said.

Concerns about water supplies and first responder services

Shapiro highlighted concerns about water supplies being exhausted and fire and EMS services being stretched thin due to the influx of thousands of people.

He referenced previous litigation against the Trump administration as a reason for not revealing his specific actions, stating, “Part of the reason why we’re so successful is we don’t forecast all of it ahead of time. We dot our eyes, we cross our T’s, we follow the law, unlike this administration. Washington. So, I think, my answer to you on that would be stay tuned.”

Congressman Dan Meuser

Congressman Dan Meuser noted that the facilities could bring roughly 2,000 jobs to the area.

However, he acknowledged the serious concerns raised by recent developments, sharing questions about:

Sewage capacityUtility usageTransportation impactsSecurity considerations

News 8 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a response to Shapiro’s comments but have not received a reply.