DOVER — On June 30, House Bill 182 passed the Delaware General Assembly and is now ready to be signed into law by Governor Matt Meyer. The legislation, introduced by Representative Mara Gorman and championed by the ACLU of Delaware, prohibits Delaware law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g) contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal authorities for immigration enforcement.
287(g) agreements are formal contracts with the federal government that allow local police to enforce federal immigration laws as they patrol communities — a job local officers are not trained for that utilizes Delaware tax dollars and resources while leaving local municipalities open to potential legal liability. These contracts have played a large role in the federal administration’s current anti-immigrant agenda by further expanding the use of law enforcement for deportation purposes. Since Trump took office in January, 287(g) agreements have more than tripled to over 700 nationwide today.
Earlier this year, Camden became the first city in Delaware to enter into a 287(g) agreement, which prompted extensive backlash from Delawareans. A few days after entering into the agreement, the Camden Police Department announced it had withdrawn from its 287(g) agreement with ICE after ACLU-DE delivered messages from the public in opposition to the move.
“To our elected officials, especially the leadership of both chambers, thank you for listening to community voices and reaffirming our state's values,” said Maria Matos, executive director of the Latin American Community Center, “HB 182 is a critical step toward ensuring that Delaware remains a place where all people — regardless of immigration or citizenship status — can live without fear, contribute fully, and are guaranteed the civil rights and liberties of every person in this country.”
“The passage of HB 182 ensures that all individuals have trust in local institutions,” said Rony Baltazar-Lopez, Vice Chair, Delaware Hispanic Commission. “This bill protects the integrity of our local institutions while ensuring that our communities’ safety remains the priority. We thank Representative Mara Gorman for championing this bill, and all the advocates and partners who got it to the Governor’s desk.”
During the Senate Executive Committee hearing on June 26, over 20 Delaware residents offered public comments in support of HB 182. There were no opposing comments. Supporters underscored the urgency of the legislation and expressed gratitude to committee members:
- “HB 182 is more than just a law; it’s a recognition of our humanity, our struggle, and our right to live without fear. Thank you to all the senators who voted in favor. You didn’t just pass a bill; you gave us a reason to believe in justice.” - Edy Morales-Yoc.
- “HB 182 passing is proof that our voices do matter. I’m grateful to the legislators who chose to listen and stand with our community!” - Carmen Robledo
- “I am so excited to see HB 182 pass today. This is a big step toward ensuring our immigrant community can live and thrive without fear.” - Araceli Gil
HB 182 now awaits the Governor’s signature. If signed into law, Delaware will join states like New Jersey, Connecticut, and Illinois in banning 287(g) agreements.
“Community action worked to temporarily stop a 287(g) agreement in Camden, but without HB 182, the door remains open for future partnerships with ICE,” said Helen Salita, ACLU-DE campaign manager, “Governor Meyer must act swiftly to prevent Camden and other municipalities from attempting to enter into these agreements by signing HB 182 now. It’s past time for Delaware to end 287(g) once and for all.”
ACLU-DE is encouraging the public to send a message to Governor Meyer urging him to sign HB 182 immediately. Visit action.aclu.org/send-message/hb182 to send a message.
