Delaware
A high-level overview of immigration enforcement activity, school protection policies, and resources for families and educators in Delaware.
Overview
State context
Delaware has limited state-level immigration enforcement protections but has generally maintained a cooperative posture with immigrant communities. Wilmington has the largest concentration of immigrant families in the state. The state legislature has not enacted comprehensive sanctuary protections.
ICE activity
ICE enforcement in Delaware is relatively active given the state's small size. Operations have targeted the Wilmington area and communities on the Delmarva Peninsula tied to poultry processing.
School policies
No comprehensive statewide school protection policy. Some individual districts have adopted welcoming school practices, but formal warrant-based policies are not widely implemented. Advocates have pushed for clearer district-level policies.
Notes for advocates
Delaware's proximity to large ICE enforcement operations in Philadelphia and Baltimore means families are vulnerable despite the state's moderate political environment. The poultry industry on the Delmarva Peninsula employs many immigrant workers with school-age children.
Is your district protected?
Find out whether your school district has a warrant-based policy in place, and what you can do if it doesn't.