In response to circulating rumors and misconceptions surrounding Delaware County's stance on immigration, officials have taken to clear the air, once and for all. A recent press release confirms that the county has never been, nor is it currently, a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. Counter to some public belief and erroneous website listings, Delaware County authorities stated, "Delaware County has never declared itself to be sanctuary county. Delaware County follows state and federal law regarding immigration law and policy.."
The clarification arises amid instances where county policies have been misinterpreted or misrepresented. Despite a letter from the County Council in January 2020 to then-Attorney General Bill Barr, which simply affirmed that the area would welcome legal refugees, some took it as a sign of declaring sanctuary. The Council's letter, officials assert, aligned with President Trump's Executive Order #13888 and had no bearing on undocumented immigrants. The misconceptions have been enough to land the region on a private website that deems it a sanctuary county—a claim county representatives firmly deny.
On the subject of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, another source of confusion has been addressed. The facility, adhering to a 2014 Third Circuit of Appeals ruling, is mandated to detain individuals who are believed to be in the United States without legal basis, provided there is a valid court order. This policy is reflective of the county's overall compliance with federal law concerning the detention and potential deportation of undocumented individuals.
Addressing another myth, county officials have also negated the rumor that refugees or undocumented immigrants will be housed at Delco Woods in Marple Township. They reiterated that the site was being evaluated for a Long-Term Structured Residence (LTSR) as part of the county's efforts to tackle the mental health crisis, not for immigrant housing. In June 2024, it was determined that the building at Delco Woods was unsuitable for this purpose, prompting the continued search for a viable LTSR location. Misinterpretations have spurred chatter among community members, but the county is intent on treating those with chronic mental health conditions, not facilitating immigrant housing.
With misinformation spreading faster than wildfire, Delaware County's attempts to set the record straight serve as a reminder of the complexities encircling immigration discourse. The county insists on being "in full compliance with all state and federal laws regarding immigration," according to the statement obtained by the press, aiming to dispel any remaining doubts regarding its policies and practices.
