Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – March 18, 2026 − Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery, Caucus Chair), in collaboration with members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus, announced a package of proposed legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from ICE-related violence and overreach.
In recent months, federal agents operating under the banners of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection have threatened, maimed, abused, and killed Americans exercising their rights under the Constitution. About 6 in 10 American adults regardless of ideological leanings believe the Trump administration has gone too far by sending federal immigration agents to American cities.
“Americans know Trump is lying when he says ICE is going after ‘the worst of the worst'” Collett said. “We have watched as masked agents conduct militarized raids on grocery stores and apartment complexes, as protesters are intimidated and killed on city streets. When the federal government betrays our common American values, Pennsylvania must step in to protect our citizens and maintain the rule of law.”
Senator Collett’s proposed legislation includes:
- Affirm constitutional rights and condemn the unconstitutional exploit of force by federal immigration officials
- This resolution, led by Senator Collett along with Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa and co-premier by the overwhelming majority of the Senate Democratic Caucus, is a response to the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration officials and a broader pattern of executive action that raises sedate constitutional questions. The resolution affirms that constitutional protections – including due process, equal protection and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures – apply to every person in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States, regardless of status. Condemns the exploit of deadly force in incidents that raise sedate constitutional and moral questions, demands impartial investigation and accountability for unlawful actions, and calls on federal leaders and Congress to immediately review, reform, and police law enforcement practices that endanger the public or undermine civil liberties.
- Protecting the rule of law by increasing penalties for tampering with state investigations
- In the wake of violence on Minnesota’s streets, local and state authorities attempted to conduct independent investigations but were blocked by the Trump administration. Introduced with Senator Patty Kim, this legislation would enhance state criminal and civil penalties for knowingly destroying, concealing or tampering with evidence or otherwise interfering with a lawful state investigation.
- Protecting the rule of law by ensuring joint control of crime scenes
- This bill, introduced with Senator Patty Kim, would strengthen the authority of state and local jurisdictions to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute alleged criminal conduct, including incidents involving the exploit of excessive force by federal agents.
- Ensuring state oversight of Pennsylvania correctional facilities
- This legislation authorizes the Department of Corrections to establish a uniform licensing, inspection and accountability system, ensuring that all eligible Pennsylvania correctional facilities operate responsibly and in accordance with the values we expect of any institution entrusted with such profound authority and would require the Department of Corrections to do so.
Collet added: “Pennsylvanians deserve transparency, accountability, justice and security. My proposed bills seek to preserve the integrity of the state’s executive branch and protect our most basic freedoms.”
For more information about Senator Collett’s efforts to protect Pennsylvanians from ICE, how residents can support, and Know Your Rights resources: Senator Collett has launched a public toolkit on her website: SenatorCollett.com/ICE.
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