Delaware Lawmakers Discuss New Immigration Enforcement Bills Focused on Limits and Transparency

DOVER, Del. – Three House bills focused on new limits and transparency requirements tied to immigration enforcement were discussed Wednesday in the House Judiciary Committee, as lawmakers and community members weighed their impact.

The bills, introduced by Delaware lawmakers, aim to reshape how state and local agencies interact with federal immigration enforcement, particularly in civil cases. House Bill 366 would bar law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks or face coverings that conceal their identity during most operations, with exceptions for medical needs, undercover work, and high-risk situations. House Bill 367 would require all Delaware law enforcement agencies to adopt and publicly post policies ensuring officers clearly display identification, such as their name, badge number, or agency, while on duty. House Bill 368 would limit when agencies can comply with federal immigration detainer requests, prohibiting detention based solely on civil immigration warrants unless the individual poses a serious threat to public safety.

A packed hearing room reflected strong interest in the proposals, which address how local police interact with federal immigration efforts and what requirements officers must follow. For Katy Castillo, daughter of immigrants, the measures carry personal significance.

It’s about transparency and accountability. I think given the political climate, it is very important for our community to feel protected.

Katy Castillo

Not everyone supports the legislation. During public comment, the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police spoke against House Bill 366 and House Bill 368, saying HB 366 is redundant because local law enforcement officers do not wear masks. The police chiefs group raised concerns that changes under HB 368 could put funding at risk.

Helen Salita, campaign manager with the ACLU of Delaware, pushed back on that concern during the committee hearing.

The discussion comes after the House passed two bills earlier in the week intended to further limit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the state. House Substitute 2 for House Bill 94 restricts Delaware law enforcement officers from directly participating with ICE agents conducting civil immigration enforcement at certain sites, including healthcare facilities, colleges or universities, places of worship, public and private schools, and daycare centers. House Substitute 2 for House Bill 151 seeks to prohibit state and local officials from entering into any agreements with privately operated detention facilities.

ICE reportedly contracts with private detention facilities in more than two-dozen states, using them to house approximately 80% of its immigration law violators during processing. If enacted, the law would not apply to Dover Air Force Base, which is under federal jurisdiction.

Also on Thursday, three new House bills related to ICE operations were filed. House Bill 368 would prohibit holding any person solely based on an immigration detainer or a civil immigration warrant.