DELAWARE - Several Democrats in Delaware have introduced a bill that would restrict local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
House Bill 94, introduced Thursday, would prohibit Delaware sheriffs, deputies, or constables from assisting federal immigration enforcement such as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in churches or schools without authorization from the Delaware Attorney General.
Under the proposed law, that authorization would need to be requested in writing at least 72 hours before the immigration enforcement activity.
Similar legislation introduced recently in Maryland drew fierce blowback from numerous Maryland county sheriffs. WBOC reached out to Delaware State Police for their stance but were told DSP does not comment on pending legislation.
“We remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure the safety of all members of our communities,” a DSP spokesperson said.
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has vocally opposed President Donald Trump’s renewed efforts to strictly enforce U.S. immigration laws and promises of mass deportation.
“Our immigration system is undeniably broken, but fear-based policies are not the answer,” Attorney General Jennings said in January while releasing a “Know Your Rights” guidance. “I will not tolerate violent crime in Delaware — but neither will I be intimidated or deputized for terror raids. Our job is to ensure all residents—our neighbors, coworkers, and friends—feel secure and valued under the law.”
WBOC reached out to Jennings’ office for comment on the proposed legislation but did not receive an immediate response Friday.
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has similarly vowed to limit state law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE activity.
“Unless there is a valid court warrant and an exigent circumstance where the community is at risk, we will not use state law enforcement resources to effectuate federal immigration policies,” Meyer’s office told WBOC in February.
Robert Kracyla, chief of the Laurel Police Department, said the proposed bill conflicts with the protocol they currently follow.
"That protocol says here, 'the IACP', which is the International Association of Chiefs of Police, 'strongly opposes proposals that would mandate rather than allow state and local police agencies to play a significant role in the enforcement of federal immigration law'," Kracyla said. "In effect it doesn't allow us to do our jobs."
Kracyla said restrictions like the one proposed limit his officers ability to do their jobs.
"Our job is to enforce the law. We don't get into which laws we enforce," Kracyla said. "If it's the FBI, DEA, ICE, any kind of ATF, if they ask for assistance, generally, I'm under the opinion that we should help them."
Representative Bryan Shupe (RD-36) said Friday that he feels the decision to work with immigration enforcement should be in the hands of local law enforcement.
"They should be able to make that decision of what part of engagement, or how much engagement, is best for the local community," Shupe said.
HB 94’s primary sponsors include Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, Rep. Sean Lynn, and Sen. Kyra Hoffner. The bill is currently awaiting a hearing in the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in the Delaware House. A committee hearing is set to be scheduled within twelve days after the bill is introduced.
