DOVER- In light of the recent uptick in federal law enforcement actions in the state, including an incident Tuesday where an ICE agent entered Stanton Middle School’s campus, House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris, and House Majority Whip Ed Osienski issued the following statement:
“Every Delawarean deserves to feel safe in their community. That includes children attending school, families seeking medical care, and residents going about their daily lives. That expectation of safety does not depend on citizenship or immigration status, and it should never be compromised by the very agencies entrusted with enforcing our laws.
“We are outraged by the civil immigration enforcement tactics we are witnessing in our communities. Tuesday’s incident at Stanton Middle School, when an ICE agent entered the school’s campus, and shortly after arrested an individual just off of school grounds, was particularly disturbing. No child should have to worry about federal immigration enforcement activity at their school, and no parent should have to fear what might happen when they drop their child off or pick them up. Schools are places for learning, and that cannot happen when students, educators, and families feel unsafe.
“We have seen here in Delaware and across the country that enforcement operations do not only affect the individuals being targeted, they can jeopardize the safety of entire communities, regardless of immigration status. Any bystander can be caught in the confusion and potential danger of an enforcement activity. And when fear discourages people from reporting crimes, cooperating with law enforcement, or seeking emergency assistance, everyone becomes less safe. These are public safety concerns that affect every Delawarean.
“Earlier this year, the General Assembly passed legislation intended to protect sensitive locations, including schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship, from civil immigration enforcement activity. We did so because no one should have to weigh their personal safety against accessing the essential services and activities that every human being should be entitled to. Tuesday’s incident is a troubling reminder of why those protections are so important.
“We recognize that the federal government has the authority to enforce immigration laws. But the authority to enforce federal law does not diminish the responsibility to protect public safety. We hear the fear, anger, and frustration being expressed by Delaware families, and we share their outrage.
“Our responsibility as elected leaders is to stand up for the safety, dignity, and well-being of everyone who calls Delaware home. We will continue to defend our schools, protect access to essential services, and stand against civil immigration enforcement tactics that put our communities at risk. Public safety must mean safety for everyone. We will not compromise on that principle.”
###
