Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who’s no stranger to the national spotlight as a potential VP pick, dropped a intriguing line on Fox News’ Special Report this week: while he won’t opine on Tim Walz’s Minnesota mess, Pennsylvania is crystal clear—We’re not a sanctuary state, and they actively cooperate with federal authorities on immigration enforcement. This comes amid the heated VP vetting process for Kamala Harris, where Walz’s track record of lax border policies and alleged sanctuary leanings has gun owners and 2A advocates raising eyebrows. Shapiro’s careful sidestep—praising cooperation without throwing Walz under the bus—feels like a masterclass in political jujitsu, positioning the Keystone State as a pragmatic bulwark against open-borders chaos without alienating the progressive wing.
For the 2A community, this isn’t just election-year theater; it’s a stark reminder of how sanctuary policies bleed into Second Amendment territory. States like Minnesota under Walz have flirted with shielding illegal immigrants from ICE, which often correlates with softer enforcement on firearms laws—think unregistered guns flowing unchecked or felons evading federal background checks. Pennsylvania’s firm stance, by contrast, signals robust federal partnerships that bolster NICS integrity and ATF operations, indirectly safeguarding law-abiding gun owners from the spillover violence tied to unchecked migration. Shapiro’s words underscore a key 2A truth: strong sovereignty on borders fortifies domestic security, keeping illegal firearms out of criminal hands while preserving rights for citizens. In a post-Biden world, this could be a blueprint for red-pilling purple states.
The implications ripple into November: if Harris taps Shapiro, his pro-enforcement vibe might blunt some anti-2A attacks from the left flank, forcing Democrats to own their sanctuary hypocrisy. Gun enthusiasts should watch closely—Pennsylvania’s 1.3 million permit holders aren’t just bystanders; they’re a swing-state force that rewards politicians who prioritize rule of law over virtue-signaling. Shapiro’s dodge on Walz? It’s savvy, but it also spotlights why 2A warriors must demand the same no-nonsense clarity on crime, guns, and borders from every candidate. Stay vigilant, America—your rights depend on it.
