Key Takeaways
• Delaware limits local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement through House Bills 58 and 96 in 2025.
• Privacy protections prevent DMV from sharing undocumented immigrants’ driving data without court order or Attorney General approval.
• Delaware removed from federal sanctuary jurisdictions list in mid-2025, showing policies are not seen as obstructive.
Delaware’s Approach to Sanctuary Policies and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025
Purpose and Scope
This analysis examines Delaware’s status regarding sanctuary policies and the specific protections in place for undocumented immigrants as of July 2025. The focus is on legislative actions, privacy safeguards, law enforcement practices, and the broader context of federal-state relations. The goal is to provide a clear, unbiased overview of how Delaware balances public safety, immigrant rights, and federal expectations, helping readers understand the real-world impact of these policies.
Methodology
This content is based on a review of recent legislative records, official statements from Delaware state officials, federal government actions, and public reporting. It draws on primary sources such as House Bill texts, statements from the Governor and Attorney General, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) communications. The analysis also considers perspectives from law enforcement, immigrant advocates, and federal authorities to present a well-rounded view. Data is presented using clear explanations, bullet points, and comparisons to highlight trends and patterns.
Key Findings
- Delaware does not officially call itself a sanctuary state but has passed several laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protect undocumented immigrants’ privacy.
- The state’s approach is shaped by a desire to protect immigrant communities from what it sees as federal overreach, while still working with federal authorities on public safety threats.
- Recent legislative actions, such as House Bill 58 and House Bill 96, focus on restricting law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement and increasing transparency.
- Privacy protections for driving privilege card holders and students are central to Delaware’s efforts, aiming to reduce the risk of deportation due to state-held data.
- Delaware’s removal from the federal “sanctuary jurisdictions” list in mid-2025 signals that its policies are not currently seen as obstructive by the federal government.
Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions
To help readers understand Delaware’s position, the following sections break down the main legislative measures, compare Delaware’s approach to other states, and outline the practical effects for undocumented immigrants.
Delaware’s Sanctuary Status and Federal Interaction
Delaware’s relationship with federal immigration authorities has been under close watch in 2025. In May and June, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) placed Delaware and some of its local areas—such as New Castle County, Newark, and Camden—on a federal list of “sanctuary jurisdictions.” This list included places the federal government believed were blocking immigration enforcement.
However, after public criticism and political debate, DHS removed Delaware from this list. Governor John Carney’s administration called the listing a “political stunt” and welcomed the removal, saying Delaware is committed to protecting all residents, including immigrants, while still working with federal authorities on real public safety threats.
Attorney General Kathy Jennings made it clear in June 2025 that Delaware has never officially called itself a sanctuary state. She stressed that the state’s main goal is to defend the law and protect everyone who lives in Delaware, no matter their immigration status.
Federal officials have warned that places left on the sanctuary list could face legal action. But Delaware’s removal from the list means there are no current federal enforcement actions against the state for its immigration policies.
Key Legislative Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in Delaware (2024-2025)
Delaware has passed and is considering several important laws that protect undocumented immigrants. These laws focus on limiting local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration enforcement, protecting personal information, and increasing transparency.
1. House Bill 58 (2025)
- What it does: Stops Delaware police from questioning, arresting, or detaining people just because of their immigration status or because of civil immigration warrants.
- Key points:
- Police cannot ask about immigration status during routine stops or arrests.
- The law aims to prevent racial profiling and stops police from working with federal immigration agents unless there is a real public safety threat.
- Status: Passed the House Judiciary Committee in May 2025. Some police groups oppose it, saying it could make their jobs harder.
2. House Bill 96 (2025)
- What it does: Requires the Delaware Department of Justice to send quarterly reports to the governor and state lawmakers. These reports must detail any federal requests for help with undocumented residents.
- Key points:
- Increases transparency about how often and why federal authorities ask for state help.
- Lets the public and lawmakers see if federal immigration enforcement is happening in Delaware.
- Status: Moving through the legislative process.
3. Driving Privilege Card Privacy Protections
- What it does: Stops the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from sharing personal information about undocumented drivers who have driving privilege cards with federal immigration authorities, unless there is a court order or approval from the Attorney General.
- Key points:
- Protects undocumented immigrants who need to drive legally from being targeted for deportation.
- Passed out of committee in April 2025.
- Status: Awaiting further legislative action.
4. Educational and Other Protections
- What it does: Proposed bills would stop schools and educational agencies from sharing information about undocumented students or their families with federal immigration authorities, unless required by law.
- Key points:
- Protects students and families from being reported to immigration authorities.
- Keeps migrant education funding safe.
- Limits law enforcement’s role in federal immigration activities at schools and churches.
- Status: Under consideration.
Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns
Delaware vs. Other States
- Unlike some states that openly call themselves sanctuary states, Delaware avoids the label but still offers strong protections for undocumented immigrants.
- Delaware’s laws focus on privacy, transparency, and limiting police involvement in immigration enforcement, similar to policies in states like California 🇺🇸 and New York 🇺🇸.
- However, Delaware’s approach is more cautious. The state tries to balance immigrant protections with cooperation on public safety, rather than taking a confrontational stance against federal authorities.
Trends Over Time
- Since 2024, Delaware has steadily increased protections for undocumented immigrants, especially in response to federal enforcement actions.
- The state’s removal from the federal sanctuary list in 2025 shows that its policies are seen as less obstructive than those in some other states.
- Ongoing legislative efforts suggest Delaware will continue to expand protections, especially around privacy and limiting law enforcement’s role.
Patterns in Policy Development
- Delaware’s policies are shaped by a mix of advocacy from immigrant rights groups, concerns from law enforcement, and political pressure from both state and federal levels.
- The state’s focus on privacy—especially for driving privilege card holders and students—reflects a growing trend among states that want to protect undocumented immigrants without directly challenging federal law.
Practical Implications for Undocumented Immigrants
Everyday Impact
- Reduced Fear of Deportation: By limiting police involvement in immigration enforcement, undocumented immigrants are less likely to be detained or reported to federal authorities during routine encounters.
- Greater Trust in Local Authorities: These policies encourage undocumented immigrants to report crimes, seek help, and cooperate with police without fear of deportation.
- Privacy Protections: Laws that protect the personal information of driving privilege card holders and students make it harder for federal immigration agents to access state-held data for deportation purposes.
- Transparency: Quarterly reports from the Department of Justice let the public see how often federal authorities ask for help, making it easier to hold officials accountable.
Challenges and Limitations
- Law Enforcement Concerns: Some police officers and chiefs worry that these laws could make it harder to do their jobs, especially when dealing with serious crimes.
- Federal-State Tensions: While Delaware is not currently facing federal enforcement actions, future changes in federal policy could put the state’s protections at risk.
- Not a Full Sanctuary State: Delaware’s approach stops short of full non-cooperation with federal authorities. The state still works with federal agencies on real public safety threats.
Stakeholder Perspectives
State Government and Advocates
- Governor Carney and immigrant rights groups support these laws, saying they protect families and prevent unfair profiling.
- Rep. Sean Lynn, who sponsors key bills, argues that these measures are needed to keep families together and build trust between immigrants and the police.
Law Enforcement
- Some law enforcement leaders oppose parts of the new laws, especially those that limit cooperation with federal authorities. They argue that these rules could make it harder to keep communities safe.
Federal Government
- The Biden administration’s DHS, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, has continued to target sanctuary jurisdictions but removed Delaware from its list in 2025. This suggests that, for now, Delaware’s policies are not seen as a major problem by federal officials.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Historical Background
- Delaware has never officially called itself a sanctuary state, but it has gradually increased protections for undocumented immigrants since 2024.
- The state’s approach is shaped by ongoing debates about the role of local police in immigration enforcement and concerns about federal overreach.
Looking Ahead
- Pending bills and ongoing advocacy suggest Delaware will keep expanding protections, especially around privacy and limiting law enforcement’s role.
- Future challenges could include legal battles with the federal government or changes in federal policy that put state protections at risk.
- Continued dialogue among state officials, immigrant communities, and law enforcement will shape Delaware’s approach in the years ahead.
Limitations of This Analysis
- The situation is evolving, and new laws or federal actions could change Delaware’s status quickly.
- Some bills discussed are still pending and may not become law.
- The analysis is based on publicly available information as of July 2025; future developments may alter the landscape.
Official Resources and Further Information
For readers seeking more details or official updates, the following resources are recommended:
- Delaware General Assembly: For the latest texts and status of House Bills 58, 96, and related legislation.
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles: For information on driving privilege cards and privacy policies.
- Delaware Department of Justice: For updates on immigrant protections and federal cooperation.
- Delaware Governor’s Office: For official statements and policy updates.
Evidence-Based Conclusions
Delaware in 2025 is not officially a sanctuary state, but it has built a strong set of protections for undocumented immigrants. These include laws that limit police involvement in federal immigration enforcement, protect personal information, and increase transparency about federal requests. The state’s approach is careful and measured, aiming to protect immigrant communities while still working with federal authorities on real public safety threats.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Delaware’s policies create a protective environment for undocumented immigrants without fully embracing the sanctuary label. This balanced approach reflects the state’s commitment to both immigrant rights and public safety, even as federal and state priorities sometimes clash.
For undocumented immigrants in Delaware, these policies mean greater privacy, less fear of deportation, and more trust in local authorities. However, the state’s protections are not absolute, and future changes in federal policy or state law could affect the level of protection available.
Actionable Takeaways
- Undocumented immigrants in Delaware should stay informed about new laws and their rights, especially regarding police encounters and privacy protections.
- Community organizations and advocates can use the quarterly DOJ reports to monitor federal-state cooperation and push for further protections if needed.
- Law enforcement and policymakers should continue dialogue to balance public safety with immigrant protections, ensuring that policies work for all residents.
For the most current information, readers should check the Delaware General Assembly’s official website for updates on pending and enacted legislation.
Summary
Delaware’s approach in 2025 offers a model of how a state can protect undocumented immigrants without officially calling itself a sanctuary state. Through careful legislation, privacy safeguards, and transparency, Delaware provides real protections while maintaining cooperation with federal authorities on public safety. This nuanced stance reflects the complex realities of immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸 today.
Learn Today
Sanctuary State → A state that limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants.
House Bill 58 → Legislation preventing police from questioning or detaining individuals solely based on immigration status.
Driving Privilege Card → A card allowing undocumented immigrants to drive legally without revealing status to DMV.
Federal Sanctuary Jurisdictions List → A DHS list identifying areas seen as hindering federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Transparency Reports → Quarterly DOJ reports detailing federal requests for assistance in immigration enforcement.
This Article in a Nutshell
Delaware balances immigrant protections with public safety by limiting police immigration enforcement roles. Laws protect privacy and increase transparency. The state avoids the sanctuary label but shields undocumented residents through key bills while cooperating on genuine threats, reflecting a nuanced immigration policy landscape as of 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
