Governor Matt Meyer Signs Bills to Protect Delaware Immigrants
State of DE - Governor Matt Meyer recently signed House Bills 94, 368, and 150. The bill package is meant to protect immigrant communities in Delaware from federal civil immigration enforcement in places the state controls, including courts, jails, schools, places of worship, and healthcare facilities.
"Washington is using fear to tear communities apart. Delaware is using the law to hold ours together," said Governor Matt Meyer. "We know that our strength and our success lie in our immigrant communities. We are not who we are, as a state or as a country, without them. Delaware will not look away or stay silent. We will continue to stand up for justice, for dignity, and for every person who calls this state home. That's what it means to show up for one another, and it's why we'll keep protecting our immigrant neighbors, friends, and loved ones from ICE and federal overreach."
Senator Kyra Hoffner and Representative Sean Lynn co-sponsored HB 94. They said the bill separates the mission of local law enforcement from the tactics used in federal immigration enforcement.
"We've seen federal immigration efforts operate with a lack of decency and respect throughout our nation, and it's our responsibility to make sure that such tactics are carried out lawfully and with dignity in our State," said Sen. Kyra Hoffner. "I was proud that the Senate passed HB 94, which I co-sponsored alongside Rep. Sean Lynn, to prohibit Delaware law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement at child-serving entities like schools and health care facilities."
"Our local law enforcement officers are driven by the mission of maintaining peace in our communities, but we have seen time and time again that federal immigration enforcement officers do not share that goal," said Rep. Sean Lynn, House Prime Sponsor of HB 94. "Disrupting classrooms, medical services, or areas of worship for the sole purpose of civil, not criminal, immigration enforcement is unacceptable and would only incite fear and cause undue harm in areas reserved for healing, learning, and goodwill."
Representative Mara Gorman sponsored House Bills 150 and 368 in the House. She said the bills reflect a choice about where Delaware stands.
"By signing these bills today, we say something about our values as Delawareans. These bills say collectively that Delaware is not committed to the cruel and arbitrary policies of current immigration enforcement," Gorman said. "HB 368, 150, and HB 94 say that where we have control, in our courts, our jails, our schools, our churches, and our hospitals, we will not aid or abet the federal government in the capture and removal of our neighbors who have done nothing to deserve it."
Senator Laura Sturgeon carried HB 150 and HB 368 in the Senate. She said the issue was personal to her.
"As a daughter of two Spanish-speaking immigrants who came to this country and were welcomed with open arms, I was honored to be asked to lead Rep. Gorman's bills in the Senate," said Sturgeon. "I want every adult, family, and child who immigrates to Delaware to have the same opportunities that I did: free from fear, free from harassment, and free to live their American dream."
Rony Baltazar-Lopez is the Director of the Delaware Office of New Americans. He said the new laws send a message about the role immigrants play in the state.
"The signing of House Bills 94, 368, and 150 will strengthen protections for immigrant communities and reinforce a simple but powerful message: immigrants are an essential part of Delaware's story, economy, and future," Baltazar-Lopez said. "The Office of New Americans is proud to support these efforts alongside Governor Meyer, legislators, advocates, and community members who work every day to ensure immigrants have an opportunity to thrive."
The signing was held at Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford. Community members and congregants of multiple races, ethnicities, and cultures gathered to mark the legislation, co-led by Pastor Steve LaMotte.
"This is a moment that brings all of us together, in our communities, and we're grateful to our state leaders," said Pastor LaMotte.
House Bills 94, 368, and 150 took effect immediately upon the Governor's signature.
Sources:
Delaware House Bill 94
Delaware House Bill 368
Delaware House Bill 150
Disclaimer: This is being shared for news and informational purposes only. The views, opinions, or statements expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Eastern Shore Undercover or its owner. We aim to keep our community informed by sharing news as it happens and of interest to our followers.
