ICE Enforcement Disrupts Lives in Rural Delaware Communities

(DELAWARE) ICE enforcement actions in rural Delaware have sparked fear and major changes in daily life for many immigrant families. As of August 2025, these efforts have led to new laws, strong community pushback, and a growing debate about the role of local police in federal immigration matters.

Federal immigration agents, known as ICE, have tried to work with local police departments in Delaware under the 287(g) program. This program allows local officers to help enforce federal immigration laws. However, most police departments in Delaware have refused to join, and lawmakers have passed a bill to ban these partnerships. The situation has left many rural Delaware communities feeling anxious and uncertain about their future.

ICE Enforcement and the 287(g) Program in Delaware

In early 2025, ICE reached out to several police departments across Delaware, including those in Dover, Seaford, Harrington, Camden, Newark, and New Castle. ICE wanted these departments to join the 287(g) program, which would let local officers act as immigration agents. The goal was to increase the number of immigration arrests, following a federal push to detain 3,000 people each day.

Camden’s police department agreed to the partnership in April 2025, but quickly changed course after facing strong public criticism. Other departments, like Newark and New Castle, said no from the start. They explained that their job is to keep local communities safe, not to enforce federal immigration laws.

Legislative Response: House Bill 182

In response to ICE’s outreach, Delaware lawmakers took action. They passed House Bill 182 (HB 182) in mid-2025. This new law bans all local police from joining the 287(g) program or making similar agreements with ICE. The bill also requires any current agreements to end, though Delaware did not have any active at the time.

HB 182 still allows police to carry out court-ordered warrants and share criminal records with federal authorities. The bill passed both the Delaware House and Senate with strong support from both political parties. Governor Matt Meyer has promised to sign the bill, saying he wants to limit police cooperation with ICE unless the law requires it.

Delaware Joins a Regional Trend

Delaware is not alone in taking this step. Other states, including California 🇺🇸, Connecticut 🇺🇸, Illinois 🇺🇸, Oregon 🇺🇸, Washington 🇺🇸, Maryland 🇺🇸, and New Jersey 🇺🇸, have also banned 287(g) agreements. In New Jersey 🇺🇸, the ban comes from an order by the Attorney General. This shows a growing trend in the region to keep local police focused on community safety, not federal immigration enforcement.

Impact on Rural Delaware Communities

The push for more ICE enforcement has deeply affected rural Delaware, especially Latino and immigrant families. Many people now avoid public places, skip work, and keep their children indoors out of fear of being stopped by immigration officers. This fear has changed daily routines and created a sense of isolation.

A local resident shared, “We used to feel safe going to the park or the store. Now, we worry every time we leave the house.”
This feeling is common in many rural areas where ICE enforcement has increased.

Mental Health Effects and Community Support

The stress caused by ICE enforcement has taken a toll on mental health. Experts say that many immigrants in rural Delaware are dealing with anxiety, trauma, and depression. Some families have trouble sleeping or concentrating at work and school.

To help, local groups and mental health professionals have started offering support. They hold events like “Plática Comunitaria: Salud Mental en Medio de las Campañas Migratorias,” which means “Community Talk: Mental Health During Immigration Campaigns.” These events teach coping skills, such as mindfulness and therapy, and encourage people to support each other.

A mental health worker explained, “It’s important for people to know they are not alone. Talking about these fears and learning ways to manage stress can make a big difference.”

Know Your Rights: Practical Guidance for Residents

The Delaware Attorney General’s office has created resources to help immigrants understand their rights. Here are some key points:

• 🏠 Home Visits: ICE officers need a valid warrant signed by a judge to enter your home without your permission.
• 🚗 Vehicle Stops: If stopped in a car, you have fewer privacy rights, but you can remain silent about your immigration status.
• 🔍 Searches: You do not have to agree to a search unless the officer has probable cause or a warrant.
• 🤐 Right to Remain Silent: You can choose not to answer questions about your immigration status.

If you believe your rights have been violated by ICE or police, you can file a complaint with the Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust. The complaint process is available online and aims to protect everyone’s constitutional rights. For more information, visit the Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust.

Filing a Complaint

Residents who feel their rights were violated during ICE enforcement can file a complaint using the online form provided by the Delaware Department of Justice. This process is designed to be simple and accessible, ensuring that everyone in Delaware can seek help if needed.

Key Stakeholders and Their Views

Background: The 287(g) Program and Its Critics

The 287(g) program started in the 1990s. It allows local police to help enforce federal immigration laws. Supporters say it helps remove dangerous criminals, but critics argue it breaks trust between police and immigrant communities. Many people fear reporting crimes or seeking help from police if they worry about being questioned about their immigration status.

During President Trump’s time in office, ICE enforcement and 287(g) partnerships grew across the United States 🇺🇸. Delaware’s recent experience is part of this larger trend, though the current administration has kept some enforcement policies in place.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Delaware?

1. ✅ Governor’s Signature on HB 182: The bill is expected to become law soon, making Delaware’s ban on local ICE partnerships official.
2. ✅ Continued Advocacy: Community groups will keep watching ICE activities and fighting for immigrant rights and mental health support.
3. ✅ Possible Federal Changes: Immigration enforcement rules may change with future federal administrations, but Delaware’s new law gives local communities more control.
4. ✅ Mental Health Focus: There will be more efforts to help immigrants deal with the stress caused by ICE enforcement.

Solution-Oriented Steps for Residents

1. 📋 Stay Informed: Know your rights and keep up with changes in state and federal laws.
2. 📋 Seek Support: Reach out to local organizations for mental health help and legal advice.
3. 📋 Report Problems: Use the state’s complaint process if you feel your rights have been violated.
4. 📋 Build Community: Support neighbors and attend community events to stay connected and informed.

Official Resources for Immigrants in Delaware

• 🔗 Delaware Department of Justice – Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust:
  File complaints and learn about your rights at de.gov/publictrust.
• 🔗 MIRA Coalition:
  Offers updates and resources for immigrant rights in Delaware.
• 🔗 Delaware Legislature:
  Track HB 182 and other laws affecting immigrants.

Conclusion

ICE enforcement and the push for 287(g) partnerships have brought big changes to rural Delaware. While these efforts have caused fear and stress for many immigrant families, strong community action and new state laws now offer more protection. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Delaware’s experience shows how local communities can stand up for their rights and shape the way immigration laws are enforced. By staying informed, seeking support, and using official resources, residents can better protect themselves and their families during uncertain times.