Governor signs immigration enforcement, citizen arrest and federal officer impersonation bills

“Every Delawarean has the fundamental right to live in a secure, respectful, and inclusive community,” said Meyer. “That’s why we’re taking meaningful steps to address outdated laws and private‑enforcement loopholes. These reforms are about recommitting to being a state of neighbors and working toward better, safer communities for Delaware residents.”

“Delaware is privileged to have some of the best law enforcement in the country—as AG, I know that for a fact,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “These bills solidify the sacred bond of protection that law enforcement has with the people it is sworn to serve—ensuring that everyone, no matter where they are born, feels safe calling police, and ensuring that the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting Delawareans’ safety can do just that.”

House Bill 142 removes the authority for private individuals to execute warrantless arrests in Delaware when the accused is charged with a felony in another state. It also eliminates an obsolete provision allowing officers to command assistance from private persons for out‑of‑state arrests.

House Bill 152 expands the state's impersonation statute to criminalize impersonating a federal officer. Current law prohibits impersonation of state and local law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs. The bill clarifies the definition of “law‑enforcement official” to ensure federal agents are covered. Delaware recently saw an incident that led to an attempted robbery by individuals impersonating ICE immigration officers.

House Bill 153 prohibits individuals without explicit statutory authority—such as private detectives, from making arrests or detaining others.This effectively bans what sponsors called outdated “citizen’s arrest” provisions.

House Bill 182 bans Delaware law enforcement agencies from entering into 287g or other data-sharing agreements with federal immigration authorities. Sponsors of the bill stated that state and local law enforcement aren't to enforce federal immigration laws, and entering into such agreements takes resources away from essential public safety duties, sponsors stated.

Democrats in the General Assembly voted for the bills and were joined in some cases by Republicans.