Delaware

ICE in Delaware: What to know after Trump’s executive order

Published

10 months ago

January 30, 2025

Press Room

ICE in Delaware: What to know after Trump’s executive order

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been publicizing arrests and detainments since President Donald Trump issued an executive order Jan. 20.
The order revoked some of former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, further empowering the agency and authorizing broader efforts to arrest and detain non-citizens.
Since the order was issued, no major ICE raids appear to have occurred in Delaware.
Whether local police agencies will cooperate with ICE is not yet known.
Follow ACLU guidance when encountering ICE officers.

With ICE raids occurring across the nation following President Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day executive order, it’s important to stay current on the order’s enforceability and to know what to do if you encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

Trump’s “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” further empowers ICE to detain and arrest immigrants, calls for law enforcement to act as immigration agents and orders a freeze on the distribution of federal funds to organizations that are supporting or providing service to immigrants living in the country illegally. The latter has already resulted in lawsuits, one of which Delaware has joined.

Rumors of ICE activity abound in Delaware, but immigration officials have refused to provide any information so far. Just one ICE detainment has been confirmed, by Ocean View Police Chief Kenneth McLaughlin, who said the agency made an arrest there over the weekend.

“An officer on patrol observed federal officers on the shoulder of the roadway with a suspect in custody. The officer contacted the federal officers and stood by until they cleared the scene,” McLaughlin said.

Find out more about Trump’s order, law enforcement’s role in ICE raids, ICE’s current efforts throughout the country and how to handle an ICE encounter below.

What the order says

Trump issued an executive order Jan. 20 invalidating several of former President Joe Biden’s immigration orders, including policies related to asylum seekers, family reunification and enforcement priorities.

The order calls for the establishment of Homeland Security task forces in each state. The task forces will focus on non-citizens who also have criminal histories, Trump has indicated, and the order mentions cartel and gang members and human traffickers.

Task forces will include law enforcement representatives, and the order empowers Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to give police the authority to act as immigration officers.

Noem is also ordered to establish detainment facilities to house “removable aliens,” pending the outcome of removal proceedings.

While most of Trump’s order focuses on empowering ICE, part of it calls for a “pause” on federal funding while a review is conducted to ensure the money isn’t going to organizations supporting or providing services to “removable or illegal aliens.”

A federal judge temporarily blocked the pause Monday, and a hearing on the matter will be held on Monday, Feb. 3. On Wednesday, the federal Office of Management and Budget rescinded a memo related to the funding freeze, which many took to mean the freeze itself had been rescinded. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified on X that the executive order remains “in full effect.”

How local law enforcement is involved

A Delaware task force has not yet been formed.

The Delaware Department of Homeland Security has not been contacted about the matter, department spokesman John Peterson said, and neither have various police agencies that Delaware Online/The News Journal reached out to.

Other than Ocean View, none of the contacted police agencies know of any recent ICE activity in their jurisdictions and none of them have been contacted by ICE.

“In regards to any future requests made by (ICE) … the Delaware State Police refrains from engaging in hypotheticals and manages the facts of real time situations and their potential impact to public safety,” state police spokesman Lewis Briggs said. “The Delaware State Police’s focus is to ensure public safety for all Delawareans and visitors to this great State.”

Wilmington Police Department spokesman David Karas said his department does “not intend to participate in federal immigration operations.”

Dover Police Chief Thomas Johnson said in a statement his department has “no capacity” to take on the additional role of immigration enforcement. However, Dover police view ICE as a partner similar to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Drug Enforcement Administration, he said.

When asked if his department has any policies related to assisting ICE, Seaford Police Department Chief Marshall Craft said a draft policy has been submitted to the city manager and solicitor for review.

“Once we have an approved policy, we will conduct training with our officers,” Craft said.

Georgetown Police Department Chief Ralph Holm issued a statement on ICE, but did not say whether or not his agency will assist them.

The Delaware Department of Justice has taken a firmer stance on Trump’s order. Attorney General Kathy Jennings said in a statement Wednesday:

“Our immigration system is undeniably broken, but fear-based policies are not the answer. 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.

“We believe in the rule of law, and that means defending the Constitution, ensuring public safety, and respecting the humanity of all Delaware residents. My focus remains tackling violent crime, gang violence, and gun trafficking — and make no mistake, people who commit crimes and endanger our community will be arrested and deported, full stop. But it does not advance public safety to terrify families, to make witnesses think twice about reporting crime, or to undermine public trust in law enforcement.”

ICE’s efforts so far

While the task forces are yet operating, ICE continues to make arrests and detainments. The agency’s social media feed is now featuring daily totals.

On Tuesday, for example, ICE reported 969 arrests and 869 “detainers lodged.” The posts began on Thursday, Jan. 23, and as of Wednesday, the arrests totaled about 4,500.

The numbers, however, aren’t necessarily remarkable. USA TODAY reported more than 271,000 people were deported last year, according to an ICE report, the most since 2014.

Jorge Vela is a lawyer who has represented clients accused of committing violent crimes while in the U.S. illegally. He lives in the Austin, Texas, area, which is one of the regions most targeted by ICE recently.

“This is nothing new so far from what I have seen,’’ Vela told the American-Statesman. “It’s just that more resources are being devoted to that, and this feels like an initial show of force.”

Texas cities such as Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Laredo saw raids over the weekend, where the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Agency were involved, according to a USA Today article. Numbers were not immediately available.

Since Jan. 20, raids have also been carried out:

What to do if you encounter ICE

Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, the Constitution guarantees certain rights, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. The following is the ACLU’s list of “Immigrants’ Rights,” shared with permission.

If law enforcement asks about your immigration status

How to reduce risk to yourself:

Stay calm. Don’t run, argue, resist, or obstruct the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated. Keep your hands where police can see them.
Don’t lie about your status or provide false documents.

Your rights:

You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court.
If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you.
If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no. Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause.
If you’re over 18, carry your papers with you at all times. If you don’t have them, tell the officer that you want to remain silent, or that you want to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.

What to do in such an encounter:

In some states, you must provide your name to law enforcement if you are stopped and told to identify yourself. But even if you give your name, you don’t have to answer other questions.
If you are driving and are pulled over, the officer can require you to show your license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance, but you don’t have to answer questions about your immigration status.
Customs officers can ask about your immigration status when entering or leaving the country. If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who has maintained your status, you only have to answer questions establishing your identity and permanent residency. Refusal to answer other questions will likely cause delay, but officials may not deny you entry into the United States for failure to answer other questions. If you are a non-citizen visa holder, you may be denied entry into the U.S. if you refuse to answer officers’ questions.

If you’re stopped by ICE or police

How to reduce risk to yourself:

Stay calm and do not resist or obstruct the agents or officers.
Do not lie or give false documents.
Prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. Memorize the phone numbers of your family and your lawyer. Make emergency plans if you have children or take medication.

Your rights:

You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud. (In some states, you may be required to provide your name if asked to identify yourself.)
You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon.
If you are arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer.
If you are detained by ICE, you have the right to consult with a lawyer, but the government is not required to provide one for you. You can ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives.
You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country. (Separate rules apply at international borders and airports, and for individuals on certain nonimmigrant visas, including tourists and business travelers.)

What to do if you are arrested or detained:

Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t give any explanations or excuses. Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.
If you have been detained by ICE, you have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your detention.
Remember your immigration number (“A” number) and give it to your family. It will help family members locate you.
Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust.
If you are a non-citizen: Ask your lawyer about the effect of a criminal conviction or plea on your immigration status. Don’t discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer. While you are in jail, an immigration agent may visit you. Do not answer questions or sign anything before talking to a lawyer. Read all papers fully. If you do not understand or cannot read the papers, tell the officer you need an interpreter.

If you believe your rights were violated:

Write down everything you remember, including officers’ badges and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses.
If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately and take photographs of your injuries.
File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish.

If police or ICE are at your home

How to reduce risk to yourself:

Stay calm and keep the door closed. Opening the door does not give them permission to come inside, but it is safer to speak to ICE through the door.

Your rights:

You have the right to remain silent, even if officer has a warrant.
You do not have to let police or immigration agents into your home unless they have certain kinds of warrants.
If police have an arrest warrant, they are legally allowed to enter the home of the person on the warrant if they believe that person is inside. But a warrant of removal/deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.

What to do when the police or ICE arrive:

Ask if they are immigration agents and what they are there for.
Ask the agent or officer to show you a badge or identification through the window or peephole.
Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it.
Don’t lie or produce any false documents. Don’t sign anything without speaking with a lawyer first.
Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address. If they don’t produce a warrant, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
If agents force their way in, do not resist. If you wish to exercise your rights, state: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
If you are on probation with a search condition, law enforcement is allowed to enter your home.

If you need a lawyer

Your rights:

If you are arrested by the police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer, and should ask for one immediately.
If arrested, you have the right to a private phone call within a reasonable time of your arrest, and police may not listen to the call if it is made to a lawyer.
If you are detained by ICE or Border Patrol, you have the right to hire a lawyer, but the government does not have to provide one for you. Ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives.
If you are detained, you have the right to call a lawyer or your family, and you have the right to be visited by a lawyer in detention. You have the right to have your attorney with you at any hearing before an immigration judge.

More information is available at aclu.org.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

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Delaware

Judge lets Delaware’s law requiring a permit to buy handgun begin Sunday

Published

18 hours ago

November 15, 2025

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Judge lets Delaware’s law requiring a permit to buy handgun begin Sunday

Lawyers for state and gun rights advocates spar during hearing

Beyond the gun advocates’ objections that the law violates the “right to bear arms” guaranteed in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, they argued during Thursday’s 75-minute hearing that Delaware officials botched the rollout of the permitting process.

State police, who oversee the State Bureau of Identification, did not have an application available until Oct. 28, 19 days before prospective buyers would be required to present a laminated permit similar to a driver’s license to make a purchase.

Since state officials have 30 days to decide on a permit, the gun rights lobby argued in court filings and before Noreika that the delays in opening the application portal could create an unconstitutional de facto ban on purchasing a handgun starting Sunday.

They also asserted that SBI’s requirements should have gone through the state’s copious process to create regulations, which often takes several months and gives residents time to offer comments on proposed rules.

“The government, the state, is treating this natural right [to buy handguns] like it were a government gift, like food stamps,’’ Pileggi said during the hearing. “Due to their lack of planning, they waited until the last minute” to open an application process filled with obstacles for would-be handgun buyers.

“Now they say because a few permits have been issued, [his clients] should be happy and go home,” he added.

Lawyers for the state countered that more than 200 permits have already been issued, though they acknowledged that all but three were approved for law enforcement officers and others exempted from taking the training course or firing live rounds at a shooting range. The state also argued that while regulations can be put in place to implement a law, they are not required.

Noreika, however, said during the hearing that it appeared to her that state police added requirements that were not in the law and normally would require official regulations.

She noted a couple provisions cited by Pileggi that are on the state’s website as “firearms training course guidelines.” Those rules say SBI must approve training courses and instructors. The law does not require such approvals.

Noreika also personalized her inquiry. She speculated that if she had taken a FBI firearms course three years ago, she might think it wasn’t valid since the FBI is not on the state website’s list of approved instructors.

While state attorney Austin Evers said SBI would merely check that the FBI course meets the requirements outlined in the law, Noreika countered that she would have no way of knowing that if she wanted to get a permit, and might think she needed to take a new course, which could take weeks to schedule and complete.

Evers said the state would remove those provisions to clear up any confusion among permit seekers and to remain within the bounds of the law so no official regulations would need to be proposed, reviewed and approved — a process that takes several months.

The state’s lawyer also told the judge that the law and how it’s being implemented is the opposite of a ban and will result in fewer handgun deaths.

“This statute has two core principles: a scheme to allow people to buy and and sell handguns — not a total ban — to address real threats to public safety,’’ Evers said.

Jennings, who attended Thursday’s hearing, said afterward that regardless of what Noreika decided on the injunction issue, she believes the law that was passed in 2024 after a five-year legislative effort will ultimately be upheld.

Jennings said afterward that she didn’t think Noreika would issue an injunction because the judge would first need to determine that the lawsuit had a “likelihood of success on the merits.’’

She said similar permit bills have been upheld in other states — such as in neighboring Maryland — and that in Delaware, “we firmly believe that this law is constitutional and passes muster.”

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Delaware

State Police Investigating Single-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Delmar – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2025

Press Room

State Police Investigating Single-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Delmar – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware

Date Posted: Friday, November 14th, 2025

Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred yesterday in Delmar.

On November 13, 2025, at approximately 5:12 p.m., a GMC Sierra was traveling northbound on Sussex Highway approaching West Snake Road. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC left the west side of the roadway, crossed the median and entered the southbound lanes of travel. The GMC then exited the west side of the road and struck a tree.

The driver, a 30-year-old man from Georgetown, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

Sussex Highway was closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Sergeant A. Mitchell at (302) 703-3269. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

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Delaware

After police assist ICE in Seaford, ACLU asks Delaware governor for guidance

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

Press Room

After police assist ICE in Seaford, ACLU asks Delaware governor for guidance

The ACLU of Delaware is asking Gov. Matt Meyer for clearer rules on when local police can assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The request follows an incident where Delaware State and Seaford police helped ICE detain a man in Seaford.
It remains unclear if ICE had a judicial warrant for the arrest.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware is calling on Gov. Matt Meyer to issue more guidance on when state and local law enforcement can assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after Delaware State and Seaford police did just that.

The two agencies responded to ICE’s request for assistance in detaining Carlos Chag-Gonzalez outside the Seaford Lowe’s the morning of Nov. 6, according to an ACLU DE news release.

“It is still unclear whether ICE possessed a valid judicial warrant for Chag-Gonzalez, nor is it known if state and local law enforcement requested to see a warrant,” the Nov. 13 release said. ICE, Delaware State Police and the Seaford Police Department did not immediately respond when asked if they had or saw a warrant.

ACLU DE Campaign Manager Helen Salita signed the letter to Meyer. Without evidence of a warrant and purported witness statements that indicate there was no public safety emergency, the letter said, the incident raises concerns about whether police violated previous ICE guidance from the governor’s office.

The letter asks Meyer’s office to detail their next steps in creating new guidance by Nov. 20.

Previous guidance

The letter pointed out Meyer’s office has made previous efforts in response “to public outcry to not support the federal administration’s immigration enforcement program.”

Earlier this year, Misty Seemans, a deputy legal counsel with the governor’s office, told Spotlight Delaware’s José Ignacio Castañeda Perez state law enforcement resources would not be used “to effectuate federal administration policies” unless there is a valid court warrant and “an exigent circumstance where the community is at risk.”

And after Camden police entered into an agreement with ICE in April, which they later withdrew, Delaware enacted a law prohibiting agreements between law enforcement and ICE.

Most recently, the Wilmington City Council passed a unanimous resolution “opposing collaboration between the city and ICE,” the letter pointed out.

“However, the incident in Seaford illustrates that despite these meaningful steps, the rules around when and how our state and local law enforcement cooperate with ICE remain murky,” the letter said. “That is why your office must act immediately to issue firm guidance outlining how all Delaware agencies interact with ICE.”

“Without clear guidance, inconsistent responses from state and local agencies risk undermining public safety by decreasing trust in law enforcement and diverting resources away from programs that keep our communities safe. We also run the risk of Delaware being unintentionally dragged in to the federal administration’s immigration enforcement regime under backdoor, misleading pretenses that state and local law enforcement must respond to public safety threats where none actually exist.”

What police, ICE say happened

Chaj-Gonzalez was arrested after resisting officers from ICE Baltimore’s Salisbury sub-office, a Nov. 7 statement provided by ICE spokesperson Casey Latimer said. (Note: The ACLU has spelled the last name as “Chag,” while police and ICE have spelled it “Chaj.” We are working to clarify the correct spelling.)

ICE sought Chaj-Gonzalez because he is an “illegal alien” from Guatemala and has unlawfully entered the U.S. 10 times, the statement said. He has been issued a “notice to appear” and will remain in ICE custody, according to the statement.

Latimer did not respond to requests for Chaj’s age and other information.

Delaware State Police spokesperson India Sturgis said her agency responded to the incident “following a report that a federal agent had been assaulted,” but the ICE statement said no officers were injured. Sturgis later said Delaware State Police happened to be in a neighboring parking lot when Seaford police were dispatched to the incident.

“Given our close proximity, we responded to assist. As far as our threshold, our troopers assist any agency or individual when help is needed,” she said.

A Seaford Police Department news release said Chaj-Gonzalez “allegedly physically resisted federal agents, before fleeing and hiding under a nearby utility trailer,” the news release said.

Seaford officers responded and remained at the scene until more federal agents arrived, the release said. They also assisted in moving the trailer under which the man was hiding so agents could take him into custody, the department added.

The suspect “obtained a minor injury” while being taken into custody, the release said, and was treated by Seaford police util EMS arrived. Seaford police contacted the owner of the trailer but had no other involvement, the release said.

“ICE claimed it was a minor injury,” the ACLU letter said, “However, a statement from a witness said, ‘they busted some [guy’s] head open’ and that ‘a lady cop was putting pressure on his head.’” Neither the letter nor the news release provided the name of the witness.

“I can’t confirm at this time whether or not this was our first assist for ICE,” Seaford Police Department spokesman Tyler Justice said via email Nov. 6. “In this situation, we were requested by them to respond to assist which is generally our threshold for any federal agency or local partners. We do not have any information as to what grounds the individual was being detained on.”

On Nov. 7, the Seaford Police Department released another statement on social media, titling it “incident clarification.”

“We understand in this highly politicized environment that whatever we do, some are going to think we were right and some are going to think we were wrong. So the most we can do for the community is to try and be as honest and transparent as possible,” the statement said.

“We do not participate in civil immigration enforcement. We take our responsibility for the safety and security of ALL of our community members very seriously. However, when situations involving federal partners turns into a criminal investigation, as it did yesterday, we are legally allowed to and will assist, as we would for any criminal investigation within our jurisdiction.”

“(Delaware State and Seaford police’s) actions during the operation led directly to ICE’s ability to detain Chag-Gonzalez. For many Delawareans, especially immigrant communities, state and local law enforcement’s actions equate to undertaking an active role in immigration enforcement,” the ACLU’s letter to Meyer said. “These actions violate community trust, reignite fear and anxiety, and threaten the goodwill our state has built between community members and law enforcement through actions like banning (police and ICE) agreements.”

Delaware is at a crossroads, according to the letter.

“Will we allow our state and local law enforcement to continue to play by the old rules even as ICE terrorizes our communities, or will we hold our state agencies accountable for ensuring that Delaware is not willingly or unwillingly aiding ICE?” the letter said.

“We must be clear about where Delaware stands and ensure our guidelines reflect our state’s values and guarantee that Delaware remains a place where all people — regardless of immigration or citizenship status — can live and thrive without fear.”

You can read the full letter at aclu-de.org.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook.

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