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New Castle County police say they will not assist ICE on immigration enforcement; council expresses concern
Summary
County police told the Public Safety Committee they do not engage with ICE on immigration matters, described a recent incident where officers verified ICE credentials, and said the Office of New Americans will lead community outreach and informational town halls.
At a Feb. 10 meeting, Colonel Leonard told New Castle County council members that the county police department’s policy is not to engage with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration‑related matters and that this mirrors guidance from the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police.
"We do not engage with ICE on immigration related issues," Colonel Leonard said. He described a recent incident in New Castle County in which county officers were asked by a constituent to verify the presence and credentials of federal officers; officers confirmed the agents’ identities and legal process but did not assist in immigration enforcement.
Councilman Street said residents were anxious and fearful after media reports and that the community expects the county to be watchful. "There's both anxiety and fear in the greater community about ICE," he said. Several council members told the colonel they wanted reassurance that local officers would verify credentials, ensure compliance with local policies, and preserve community trust.
Leonard said the Chiefs Association had given ICE a set of contact numbers and that the county has asked for notification when federal immigration activity occurs, though the department acknowledged that ICE is not legally required to provide advance notice. He said the department will work with the Office of New Americans and state police to produce a one‑page informational sheet in multiple languages and that town halls may be scheduled in affected districts.
Council members also asked whether local officers would intervene if federal agents were executing lawful actions. Leonard said officers would verify credentials and paperwork and would not interfere with legitimate law‑enforcement operations but would respond if public safety issues or assaults occurred.
The committee did not adopt any changes to local policy at the meeting; members asked for continued monitoring and for the department to participate in public outreach.
