Immigrants' Rights

The fundamental protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every person, regardless of immigration status.

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What you need to know

Over 800

Delawareans have been detained by ICE since the start of the second Trump administration

1 in 10

Delaware residents is an immigrant

Over 62,000

Delaware residents had at least one immigrant parent in 2015

In Delaware and other parts of the United States, you have rights and legal protections even if you are not a U.S. citizen.

*Data from the American Immigration Council

Immigration status has an enormous impact on the way many people in our community are treated, as well as the opportunities and systems they can and cannot access.

From employment to housing to education, there are numerous obstacles that are unfairly levied against immigrants both in our state and the nation at large. Discrimination on the basis of immigration status threatens the civil rights of some of our most vulnerable members of society, and we will not tolerate it.

At the ACLU of Delaware, we are working to enforce and expand protections for immigrant communities in Delaware and ensure that everyone's rights are respected, regardless of status, language, or country of origin. Our work includes fighting to increase legal protections for workers, conducting more education and outreach around civic-engagement for non-English speakers, and building strong coalitions in the state for community members to stand together against the barriers of xenophobia.

Listen & Learn More About Immigrants' Rights in Delaware

ICE Operations Harm Delaware Communities: Insights From a Community Health Worker

by Adriana Viveros-Sosa, community health worker and business owner
Explore More
collage of ICE agents handcuffing and detaining a person alongside a homemade protest sign that says, "Families Belong Together."

The Latest

Press Release
Photograph of Governor Meyer and supporters of the bill at the official signing

Governor Meyer Signs Critical Legislation to Protect Immigrant Communities in Delaware

The legislation signed into law today limits local law enforcement participation in ICE arrests at courthouses, sensitive places such as schools, medical facilities, and places of worship, and limits when local law enforcement can honor detainer requests from ICE.
Press Release
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Education Advocacy Orgs Send Letter to Superintendents Across the State, Explaining New Law on Immigration Enforcement at Schools

Following Governor Meyer’s signature, HS 2 for HB 94 will limit DE law enforcement officers from assisting ICE at schools.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights, Education Equity
Know Your Rights
Woman hugging a small child against her face in the center, framed by an image of the statue of liberty to the right and protesters to the left

Immigrant Students and Families (EN/ES)

Immigrant students and their families have the right to access public education and resources without fear of discrimination or intimidation.
Know Your Rights
Two figures carrying bags in the distance against a backdrop of an American flag; fingerprint paperwork is in the foreground

Interacting with ICE & Law Enforcement (EN/ES)

In Delaware and other parts of the United States, you have rights and legal protections even if you are not a U.S. citizen. Knowing what rights, you have is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family. Here’s what you should do if you encounter ICE agents in your community.

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation

Legislation
Jun 25, 2026

House Substitute 1 for House Bill 368 w/ House Amendment 1: Immigration Enforcement and Cooperation

House Substitute 1 for House Bill 368 with House Amendment 1 (HS 1 for HB 368 w/ HA 1) reduces law enforcement's cooperation with immigration officials by limiting when they honor detainer requests. A detainer request is an administrative request from ICE to hold an individual beyond their scheduled release or notify ICE prior to their release. This legislation prohibits law enforcement from detaining or extending the detention of any person based solely upon an immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant, and provides exceptions for violent felonies, domestic violence, sex offenses, and repeat DUIs.    
Status: Signed by Governor
Position: Support
Legislation
May 21, 2025

House Bill 182: 287(g) Agreements

House Bill 182 prohibits local law enforcement from working with federal immigration agencies to enforce immigration laws or share related information — banning 287(g) agreements with ICE in Delaware.
Status: Signed by Governor
Position: Support
Legislation
Jun 25, 2026

House Substitute 1 for House Bill 150 with House Amendment 2: Immigrants' Rights: Immigration Enforcement Limits and Protections

House Substitute 1 for House Bill 150 with House Amendment 1 (HS 1 for HB 150 with HA 1) limits state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement at courthouses.
Status: Signed by Governor
Position: Support
Legislation
Jun 25, 2026

House Substitute 2 for House Bill 94 with House Amendment 1: Immigrants' Rights, Immigration Enforcement Limits and Protections

House Substitute 1 for House Bill 94 limits state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement at schools and churches.
Status: Signed by Governor
Position: Support