On January 14, 2026, former President Donald Trump announced via his Truth Social account that federal funding for “sanctuary cities” will be halted starting in February. Delaware has been identified by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as a “sanctuary state,” which refers to jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
This declaration raises concerns regarding federal funding for various programs in Delaware, where Governor Matt Meyer and Attorney General Kathy Jennings have implemented laws that prevent local law enforcement from collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration matters. The governor’s office has not yet issued a statement regarding Trump’s announcement.
Trump’s directive comes amid his administration’s intensified deportation policies, which have included increased ICE activity in cities across the nation. Notably, there have been controversies surrounding these actions, including a incident in Minneapolis where an ICE agent shot a U.S. citizen, an event whose account has drawn conflicting narratives from officials and the public.
In his post, Trump declared, “EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY FIRST, NO MORE PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STATES FOR THEIR CORRUPT CRIMINAL PROTECTION CENTERS KNOWN AS SANCTUARY CITIES. ALL THEY DO IS BREED CRIME AND VIOLENCE! If States want them, they will have to pay for them! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”
Delaware was classified as one of thirteen “sanctuary states” by the DOJ based on criteria identifying laws that limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Despite the DOJ’s classification, Delaware does not have any officially designated sanctuary cities.
Governor Meyer, in a move to limit the reach of federal immigration enforcement, signed legislation in July 2025 that prohibits local agencies from entering agreements that allow them to act on civil immigration enforcement or to detain individuals based solely on their immigration status. He has emphasized the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive community for all Delawareans, citing the need for reforms to enhance community safety and relationship building.
This ongoing narrative surrounding Delaware’s immigration policies has previously sparked controversy, with the DOJ issuing a list of what they have termed “sanctuary cities,” including New Castle County, Camden, and Newark in June 2025. These designations were later retracted amid confusion and lack of communication from federal authorities.
In a previous statement, Newark Mayor Travis McDermott expressed surprise at his city’s classification on the list and reiterated that the Newark Police Department focuses on enforcing local and state laws without acting solely based on immigration status. He reiterated that while local law enforcement can assist federal agencies when criminal activity is involved, they do not actively enforce immigration laws.
As the situation unfolds, state officials and law enforcement agencies are grappling with the implications of potential funding cuts, and the community remains divided on the appropriateness and effectiveness of current immigration policies. The discussion about immigration and law enforcement continues to evolve, with local leaders advocating for the rights and safety of all residents.