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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has pledged to protect the rights of residents and safeguard communities as the incoming Trump administration prepares hard-line reforms.
During the 2024 presidential cycle, Donald Trump put immigration policy at the forefront of his bid for the White House, vowing to carry out the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history.
The president-elect, who is set to return to the Oval Office on January 20, has promised to implement his immigration agenda on Day One. His proposals include rebuilding the wall between the U.S. and Mexico and ending catch-and-release, the policy through which border officials release apprehended migrants into the U.S. to await court hearings.
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Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for Shapiro, told Newsweek that his administration would "never back down from defending Pennsylvanians' fundamental freedoms."
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"The Shapiro Administration is preparing for all scenarios and taking steps to safeguard our Commonwealth from potential federal actions that could be harmful to Pennsylvania families and communities," Bonder said.
"As Attorney General, Josh Shapiro worked to protect Pennsylvanians from actions that threatened everything from workers' rights and their ability to keep their wages, to our clean air and pure water, to our voting rights and a woman's freedom to choose."
Shapiro's spokesperson said the governor had a reputation for opposing Trump's "dangerous" policies.
He said: "The Governor has a track record of both working with leaders in both parties to deliver results and of effectively standing up against dangerous policies that screw Pennsylvanians over.
"As Governor, he will keep working to defend our democracy, defend our fundamental rights, and ensure we continue the legacy of William Penn by building a Commonwealth that is warm and welcoming for all—and where all Pennsylvanians have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed."
Shapiro has repeatedly butted heads with Trump on immigration policy, including the proposed travel ban for citizens of Muslim-majority countries, forming part of a coalition of state attorneys who argued the move was unconstitutional.
While Shapiro and other Democratic leaders prepare to counter potential federal actions, Trump's team remains steadfast in its plans to overhaul immigration policy.
Karoline Leavitt, who is set to serve as White House press secretary during Trump's second administration, told Newsweek: "President Trump will enlist every federal power and coordinate with state authorities to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers, and human traffickers in American history while simultaneously lowering costs for families.
"The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, like deporting migrant criminals and restoring our economic greatness. He will deliver."
Almost 85,000 U.S. citizens in Pennsylvania live with at least one family member who is undocumented, according to the American Immigration Council.
Immigrants play a critical role in Pennsylvania's economy, forming 9 percent of the state's workforce across various industries.
Meanwhile, Trump's deportation plan has caused widespread "panic" among farmers at risk of losing staff and business.
According to the American Business Immigration Coalition, agricultural output will fall between $30 billion and $60 billion if Trump's flagship policy is enacted.
Restaurant owners and agricultural leaders are advocating for a balanced approach that supports businesses while preserving the workforce essential to their survival.
Jennifer Tilton Flood, a dairy farmer from Maine, warned that mass deportations would be a "catastrophic nightmare" for the U.S. agricultural industry, particularly the dairy sector, which relies heavily on immigrant labor.
Mass deportations could also cost the U.S. $315 billion for a one-time effort, according to the American Immigration Council.
As the nation braces for such policy changes, Democrats in blue states have lined up to defend the migrant community.
"You come for my people, you come through me," Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called a special session of state legislators to focus on bolstering California's legal resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action and immigrant families.
"The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack—and we won't sit idle. California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond. We are prepared, and we will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive," Newsom said in a statement after Trump's electoral victory.
As Republicans and Democrats square off in a clash of ideologies, the consequences of these immigration policies are expected to ripple through families, businesses and communities, setting the tone for the U.S.'s future on immigration and human rights.
This article was updated to reflect clarification from Josh Shapiro's spokesperson 12.05.24
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