By: Michael Bianco, ACLU-DE Intern
Immigrants deserve safety — safety at work, at the doctor’s office, and at places of worship. In a time when immigrants are under constant attack by the federal administration, other elected officials, and the media, they should be able to feel safe in these vital community spaces. However, the Trump administration’s dangerous, anti-immigrant policies have left many afraid to leave their homes — terrified of being rounded up in indiscriminate ICE raids and warrantless searches.
Much of this fear can be linked to President Trump’s removal of a Biden-era policy that prevented ICE from entering sensitive locations — such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship — and detaining folks. Since these guidelines were removed, there have been numerous violent raids in previously protected locations, many of which have led to arrests, deportations, and massive civil liberties violations.
One population that has become particularly vulnerable is immigrant students and families, who can now be subject to apprehension at schools. Although the Department of Homeland Security has denied conducting operations at schools, claiming that they do not target children or schools, instances of ICE patrolling near schools have already caused panic. In Chicago, teachers and school administrators have cited multiple examples of nearby ICE operations — including tear gas used near a school playground — disrupting classes and traumatizing students.
For immigrant students and families, the threat and rumors of ICE presence in and near schools are enough to cause a chilling effect on access to education. According to the National Education Association, educators across the country have reported significant increases in absenteeism since the sensitive locations policy was rescinded.
Schools aren’t the only sensitive location seeing immigrant community members pushed out by immigration enforcement. Reports have come in from all around the country that reveal the same truth — ICE is abusing its power, refusing to comply with the law, and using force and fear tactics to terrorize immigrant communities in places where they should feel safest. Many church leaders have also seen attendance drop. In July 2025, the Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino issued guidance to parishioners that attendance on holy days of obligation was optional if they feared coming into contact with ICE.
Additionally, immigrants have even been avoiding hospital and pharmacy trips for essential medication just because of ICE’s presence. If immigrants fear seeking treatment at doctors’ offices and hospitals, it could significantly harm public health. Contagious diseases may be more likely to spread throughout a community, and the cost of treatment for people who delay care will likely increase as their symptoms worsen. In addition, those who do not get adequate treatment may have lifelong impacts on their health, meaning that they will need additional treatments and support systems in the future.
When immigrants are prevented from accessing important community hubs, our communities are less safe for everyone. Making immigrants fear deportation while taking their children to school or seeking medical care makes our communities less healthy and less secure. It undermines our nation’s values and has dangerous implications for our core freedoms.
What You Can Do
If you believe that ICE might be in a sensitive location, you have the right to document their actions. Recording or writing down information from their raids is within your constitutional rights. (Please note this right may vary if you are not a United States citizen) Documenting ICE operations safely can help hold officers accountable, raise awareness, and help others get involved in the fight to protect immigrant communities.
You also have the right to question the agents’ right to enter these sensitive locations. Challenging agents by asking to see a valid court-issued warrant can be helpful in the process of accountability. ICE does not have the right to enter these locations without a court-issued warrant. There have been instances of ICE agents using warrants issued by members of their own department, but these are not valid. Using false warrants is a blatant violation of the Fourth Amendment.
What Delaware’s Leaders Can Do
In this critical moment, Delaware’s leaders must act to ensure our state’s immigrant communities can live without fear, contribute fully, and access vital and potentially life-saving resources.
Right now, legislation that will protect sensitive locations in Delaware is pending. The General Assembly must act swiftly to pass the following legislation in 2026:
- House Bill 93 limits school resource officers and constables from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.
- House Bill 94 (HB 94) and House Bill 150 (HB 150) limit state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement at sensitive locations such as schools, churches, and courthouses.
This legislation would not prevent ICE from arresting people if ICE agents have a valid arrest warrant or court order. However, it will ensure that immigrants can access community hubs without fear of intimidation or sweeping, dragnet-style raids.
Join us in demanding that Delaware’s elected officials act to protect our immigrant communities. By signing this petition, you are calling up our elected officials to pass legislation to:
- Protect sensitive locations in Delaware,
- Create safe interactions with law enforcement; and
- Prevent racial profiling by law enforcement.
