Sensitive Locations Bill to Limit ICE Raids Passes House, Heads to Senate

Dover, DE — Yesterday evening, House Substitute 2 for House Bill 94 (HS 2 for HB 94) passed the House (27-14) and is now headed to the Senate. The legislation—which aims to limit local law enforcement from participating in ICE raids in vital public locations like schools, places of worship, and medical facilities—has been championed by immigrants’ rights groups in Delaware as federal anti-immigration initiatives have continued across the country.

“Delawareans are appalled by the images of ICE raiding vital community spaces nationwide,” stated ACLU of Delaware Campaign Organizer, Helen Salita. “The House has taken the first steps towards protecting our local communities by passing HS 2 for HB 94.”

Since January of this year, nearly 1,200 Delawareans have sent messages urging Delaware elected officials to take further action to protect immigrant communities in the state. Efforts to limit ICE activity in Delaware have continued to be a priority for constituents and civil rights advocates since last year’s passage of HB 182 instituted a statewide ban on 287(g) agreements. This large public response follows several incidents since the last presidential inauguration that have demonstrated Delaware law enforcement collaborating with ICE and other federal agencies to unnecessarily assist in immigration enforcement.

“This bill limits Delaware state and local law enforcement from participating in the Trump administration's mass deportation plans in sensitive locations where people gather to learn and care for children, worship, and seek medical help,” continued Salita. “We call on the Senate to swiftly pass this bill.”