Delaware
Immigration cases increase 800% in Delaware under Trump’s enforcement initiative
Delaware protesters rally against Avelo Airlines’ deal with ICE
A protest against Avelo Airlines’ deal with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is held at Wilmington Airport, near New Castle, on April 19, 2025.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware has filed 58 immigration and border security-related cases since January 20, representing an 800% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to federal officials.
This sharp rise in enforcement activity is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice to ramp up immigration enforcement, dismantle transnational criminal organizations, and address violent crime.
As part of this surge, Delaware’s district office recently announced the prosecution of Wagner Rivera-Campusano, a 27-year-old Dominican national living in New Castle County. On May 13, he was sentenced to 30 days of probation for failing to notify federal authorities of a change of address, a violation of the Alien Registration Act.
Court records show Rivera-Campusano was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2023 and released on bail after providing an address in New York City. He failed to appear for immigration proceedings and was ordered removed from the country in absentia. Officials say sometime around September 2024, Rivera-Campusano moved to Delaware without notifying authorities, as required by law.
In April 2025, he was convicted of a drug felony in Delaware Superior Court. After his release, he was taken into ICE custody and federally charged for failing to report his address change. He faces likely deportation. Prosecutors noted any future illegal re-entry would carry stiffer penalties due to his felony conviction.
Federal officials say they expect the pace of immigration-related prosecutions to continue in the coming months as enforcement priorities remain a central focus of the administration.
The dramatic rise in prosecutions reflects broader federal policy changes under President Donald Trump’s second term, which has prioritized mass deportations and expanded immigration enforcement.
You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.