DOVER Del. – The Delaware House Democratic Caucus has passed a series of public safety measures that they claim will protect residents from what they say is harmful and fear-driven federal immigration enforcement and preserve trust in local public safety institutions.
Delaware House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris says, “As Majority Leader, I am proud to lead a caucus that believes in acting early, whenever possible, to prevent harm before it reaches our communities.”Â
The measures come in response to growing concerns about federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. It also comes on the heels of a recent incident in Milton, where two men reportedly impersonating ICE agents allegedly pulled someone over and robbed them. The incident remains under investigation.
“When masked individuals with weapons and no clear identification confront people in public or in their homes, families face impossible choices. If they resist, they risk arrest. If they comply, they risk harm or never being seen again. This is not law and order. It is fear and chaos, and it has no place in a free society.” Harris said.
The legislative package includes:
- A prohibition on new 287(g) agreements, which would deputize local law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents.
- A ban on impersonating law enforcement officers.
- An end to citizens’ arrests based on immigration status or suspicion.
“These laws were written to protect responsible, law-abiding Delawareans, whether they are documented or not,” Harris said. “Any criminal activity that endangers others remains fully enforceable under Delaware law.”
She added that the legislation seeks to draw a clear line between public safety and intimidation.
“We will not allow fear to define our communities,” Harris said. “Delaware House Democrats are committed to protecting our communities with fairness, justice, and unwavering purpose.”
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