FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dionne Watts-Williams / 215-713-4875 / dwattswilliams@powerinterfaith.org
Philadelphia, PA (February 24, 2026) – Last Thursday, February 19, faith leaders from POWER Interfaith met with representatives from the Office of Josh Shapiro at his Philadelphia office at 16th & Arch Streets, following a February 2 sign-on letter raising urgent concerns about the expanding and militarized actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The letter, signed by clergy and faith leaders across Pennsylvania, calls on the Governor to:
- Publicly denounce recent ICE actions in Minneapolis, where approximately 4,000 agents have been deployed into community spaces.
- Call for the withdrawal of ICE from affected communities nationwide, including Pennsylvania, and for a suspension of federal funding pending a full and transparent investigation.
- Meet with faith leaders to address concerns about the safety, rights, and well-being of congregations and immigrant families.
During today’s meeting, POWER clergy leaders conveyed that what is unfolding in Minneapolis is already reverberating across Pennsylvania. Congregations are reporting increased fear among immigrant families, including anxiety about attending worship, sending children to school, and participating in daily community life.
“As faith leaders, we believe public resources should strengthen communities, not fuel fear,” said Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards, Executive Director of POWER Interfaith. “Our congregations are asking for moral clarity and leadership from Governor Shapiro that protects the dignity and safety of all people.”
This meeting marks the beginning of continued engagement with the Governor’s office. The organization will remain in active dialogue and continue organizing clergy and community members across the Commonwealth.
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Rooted in the prophetic traditions of faith, POWER Interfaith is Pennsylvania’s largest multiracial, multifaith, multigenerational organizing entity. More than 4,700 Pennsylvanians of faith and moral courage are part of this growing movement, coming together across differences to fight for racial and economic justice, a healthy planet, and a stronger democracy. From Philadelphia to Montgomery, Chester to Lancaster, Bucks to Lehigh, and Delaware Counties, we believe that every person has inherent worth and dignity, and that our beliefs call us to act with boldness and hope. Through faith-rooted organizing, public action, and community-building, we’re working towards a Pennsylvania where everyone has what they need to live and thrive. Learn more at www.powerinterfaith.org.
