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Delaware Bills Seek to Limit ICE Arrests in Courts | Immigration Policy Shifts and Enforcement Intensification in the US | Liam Conejo: The Trauma of Detention and the Ongoing Legal Battle | Delaware Bills Seek to Limit ICE Arrests in Courts | Immigration Policy Shifts and Enforcement Intensification in the US | Liam Conejo: The Trauma of Detention and the Ongoing Legal Battle

Politics & Policy / Immigration

Delaware Bills Seek to Limit ICE Arrests in Courts

Delaware lawmakers are considering new legislation to limit the reach of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) within the state, focusing on arrests in courthouses and state support for private detention facilities. This builds upon pre...

Apr 16, 2026 20:01 Proyectos de ley en Delaware buscan limitar los arrestos y la detención del ICE en los juzgados

servicio de control de inmigración y aduanas

Delaware Bills Seek to Limit ICE Arrests in Courts

Image via WHYY

Key Insights

Two bills are under consideration: one to prohibit civil ICE arrests in courts and another to prohibit state support for private prisons.
A previous bill passed the House, banning civil arrests in courthouses or Department of Labor offices where workers' compensation hearings occur. This aims to prevent ICE agents from detaining individuals attending court as witnesses or seeking protection orders.
Data indicates a significant increase in ICE arrests in Delaware, from 220 in 2024 to approximately 689 in 2025, primarily on the streets rather than in correctional facilities.
The proposed legislation seeks to regulate state involvement with private detention centers, sending a signal of opposition to private detention facilities.
In July of last year, Governor Matt Meyer signed four instruments designed to reinforce public safety.

In-Depth Analysis

Delaware is taking steps to limit the involvement of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within its jurisdiction. The proposed bills aim to protect individuals attending court proceedings and prevent state resources from supporting private detention facilities.

The bill prohibiting civil arrests in courthouses addresses concerns that ICE activity near courthouses could deter individuals from seeking justice or providing testimony. State Representative Mara Gorman, a proponent of the bill, highlighted instances nationwide where ICE agents have detained individuals attending court, impacting not only those arrested but also their communities.

Another bill aims to restrict state support for private prisons, following legal challenges to outright bans on private detention centers. The proposed legislation regulates the state and its subdivisions by prohibiting contracts, funding, and resources that support private detention centers, sending a clear message to private developers that the state opposes private detention.

These legislative efforts build upon previous measures, including House Bill 182, which prohibits law enforcement agencies from entering agreements with ICE to enforce immigration laws or share related data. This bill was drafted after community opposition forced the Camden Police Department to rescind its 287(g) agreement with ICE. Additional laws include House Bill 152, which criminalizes impersonating a federal agent, House Bill 153, which prohibits citizen arrests, and House Bill 142, which eliminates the power of an individual to detain a person accused of a felony in another state without a court order.

Despite these efforts, the landscape of immigration enforcement remains complex. An analysis of government data reveals a significant increase in ICE arrests in Delaware, highlighting the ongoing need for policies that protect vulnerable individuals and uphold due process.

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FAQ

What does the bill prohibiting civil arrests in courts aim to achieve?

It seeks to prevent ICE agents from detaining individuals attending court as witnesses or seeking protection orders, ensuring access to justice without fear of immigration enforcement.

How does the bill address private detention centers?

It regulates the state and its subdivisions by prohibiting contracts, funding, and resources that support private detention centers, sending a clear message to private developers that the state opposes private detention.

Takeaways

Delaware is actively working to limit ICE’s reach, particularly in sensitive locations like courthouses.
The state is also taking steps to distance itself from private detention facilities.
These legislative efforts build upon previous laws aimed at protecting immigrant communities and reinforcing public safety.

Discussion

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Sources

Proyectos de ley en Delaware buscan limitar los arrestos y la detención del ICE en los juzgados Acusan a agente del ICE de apuntar con su arma a ocupantes de un auto en Minneapolis Emiten orden de arresto contra agente de ICE acusado de apuntar un arma contra un conductor en Minnesota

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