Shapiro Slams Trump Administration Over Covert ICE Warehouse Purchase and “Racist” Rhetoric
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has issued a sharp rebuke of the Trump administration following revelations that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) secretly purchased a massive warehouse in Berks County for $87.4 million. In a blistering statement, Shapiro also condemned the former president for circulating a “racist” video targeting the Obamas and for his escalating rhetoric regarding the nationalization of American elections.
Deep Search: The Secret Berks County Purchase
State and local officials were reportedly blindsided by the federal government’s acquisition of the 520,000-square-foot facility in Upper Bern Township. Deed records confirm the purchase was finalized earlier this week, transferring the property—formerly known as the Hamburg Logistics Center—to the Department of Homeland Security.
The Facility: Located at 3501 Mountain Road, the site was originally marketed as a state-of-the-art logistics hub. It is now slated to become a processing and detention center with a capacity of up to 1,500 beds.
Financial Impact: Local lawmakers, including State Senator Chris Gebhard, warned that the transfer of the property to federal ownership removes it from the tax rolls, stripping the local municipality and school district of approximately $624,000 in annual revenue.
Shapiro’s Response: Governor Shapiro announced that his administration has “ratcheted up preparation” to oppose the expansion of federal detention in the state, promising to work closely with community leaders who feel betrayed by the lack of transparency.
Controversial Rhetoric and Video
The Governor’s criticism extended beyond the real estate deal, targeting Donald Trump’s recent behavior on social media and the campaign trail. Shapiro blasted Trump for sharing a video on his Truth Social platform that has been widely characterized as racist, depicting former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in derogatory terms.
Additionally, Shapiro engaged with Trump’s recent calls to “nationalize elections,” a rhetorical shift that critics argue would undermine state sovereignty and local control over voting processes. Shapiro, who gained national prominence defending Pennsylvania’s election integrity, framed these comments as a direct threat to democratic norms.
Objections and Federal Justification
Supporters of the move argue that the expansion of ICE facilities is a necessary step to manage increasing border enforcement demands. The Trump administration has cited a need for “large-scale facilities” to replace smaller contracts with county jails.
Operational Necessity: Federal officials have indicated that existing detention centers are at capacity, necessitating the rapid acquisition of turnkey properties like the Berks warehouse.
Defense of Rhetoric: Trump’s allies have dismissed the outrage over the video as political correctness, often framing such posts as satire or free speech. regarding election oversight, proponents argue that federalizing certain standards could prevent fraud, a long-standing talking point of the Trump campaign.
Background Information
Berks County has long been a flashpoint in the national immigration debate. For years, the county hosted the Berks County Residential Center, one of the few facilities in the country detaining immigrant families, which faced persistent protests until the federal government ended its contract.
Political Context: The purchase comes amidst a broader $45 billion expansion of detention infrastructure funded by recent federal appropriations.
Local Fallout: The Upper Bern Township facility sits near an Amazon warehouse and a popular campground. Residents have expressed concern not only over the loss of tax revenue but also regarding security and the sudden transformation of a commercial zone into a high-security federal installation.
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