Dover, DE – First State Update has learned that some Delaware legislators are seeking co-sponsors for a set of proposed bills aimed at protecting undocumented residents in the state. Sponsored by Rep. Lynn, Rep. Ortega, and Sen. Hoffner, the bills focus on migrant education, data privacy for undocumented residents, and restrictions on law enforcement actions related to immigration status.
The proposed legislation is part of a broader undocumented resident protection package, a legislative initiative that came to light shortly after President Trump began deportation of undocumented migrants.
One of the key measures seeks to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code to establish a migrant education program ensuring that children of migrant families receive the educational services.
If federal funding proves insufficient, the Delaware Department of Education would be required to find alternative funding sources, such as state appropriations or other financial mechanisms, to avoid disruptions in services.
Another proposed measure would restrict the release of personal information from applicants or holders of driving privilege cards, a form of state-issued identification available to undocumented residents. The bill aims to limit the circumstances in which such data, particularly regarding citizenship or immigration status, can be shared.
The third bill would amend Title 11 of the Delaware Code to establish restrictions on law enforcement officers regarding actions based on a person’s citizenship or immigration status. If passed, the law would prohibit police officers from stopping, questioning, arresting, searching, or detaining individuals based solely on their actual or suspected immigration status or violations of federal civil immigration laws.
The legislation would further prevent officers from inquiring about immigration status, place of birth, or eligibility for Social Security numbers. Additionally, the measure would ban arrests or prolonged detentions based on civil immigration warrants or detainers, aligning Delaware’s policies with other jurisdictions that have enacted similar measures to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.