Governor Meyer Signs Critical Legislation to Protect Immigrant Communities in Delaware

Milford, DE — Today, Governor Matt Meyer officially signed three key pieces of immigration-related legislation into law during a formal bill-signing ceremony at Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford, DE.

The legislation signed into law today limits local law enforcement participation in ICE arrests at courthouses (HS 1 for HB 150 with HA 2) and sensitive places such as schools, medical facilities, and places of worship (HS 2 for HB 94 with HA 1). It also limits when local law enforcement can honor detainer requests from ICE (HS 1 for HB 368 with HA 1).

Immigrants' rights advocates championed these bills to limit cooperation between Delaware law enforcement officers and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Community members and organizations across the state have long stressed the importance of mitigating the harm brought on vulnerable Delawareans and their families by reducing cooperation between state and federal government agencies amidst the Trump administration's rampant deportation efforts.

"Due to increasing ICE activity in Delaware, vulnerable and at-risk communities are scared to go to their doctors, go to school, and even leave their homes," said Helen Salita, ACLU-DE campaign manager. "We're grateful this community and its elected officials have come together and taken action to ensure that everyone is safer in these sensitive community spaces and can access the vital services they need."

The newly signed legislation will take effect immediately.