To the Town of Camden Mayor, Council, and Police Chief:
I’m writing with deep concern regarding the discovery that the Camden Police Department, according to the website of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has entered into a 287(g) Task Force Model agreement with ICE as of April 29, 2025, making it the only law enforcement agency in Delaware to do so. (see here: participatingAgencies05022025pm.xlsx). The 287(g) program is an agreement between ICE and local law enforcement agencies that essentially uses local police, funding, and resources for federal immigration enforcement.
Empowering local police to enforce federal immigration laws severely undermines their relationship with immigrant communities. When residents fear that any interaction with law enforcement could lead to detention or deportation, they are far less likely to report crimes, share critical information, or seek protection. This chilling effect extends beyond undocumented individuals, as citizens and legal residents alike may be targeted or harassed based on perceived immigration status. The result is a breakdown in public safety and trust that makes our entire community more vulnerable.
Moreover, the fundamental protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution apply to every person, regardless of immigration status- including immigrants who are part of our communities, our workplaces, and places of worship. The Trump administration has already unconstitutionally targeted, detained, and deported people- including those with legal status and in mixed-status families. For example, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident with legal status, was deported without ever being given the opportunity to defend himself in court. Others with permanent legal status and active visas have been arrested by ICE solely because of their political beliefs or protected speech. The bottom line is that ICE is an agency with a long and well-documented history of racial profiling, due process violations, and the separation of families; and the Camden Police Department’s participation in the 287(g) agreement will align our town with that legacy.
At this evening’s Town Council meeting, I formally inquired on the public record whether such an agreement existed. In response, two Council members shook their heads no, while the Mayor shushed another who attempted to answer verbally. If the information published on ICE’s website is accurate, I am calling for Camden’s full and immediate withdrawal from this agreement. Additionally, I request a formal public statement acknowledging the agreement’s existence, explaining how and why it was approved, and detailing the steps you will take to restore the public trust that has been so seriously compromised. Finally, I request a written response to this communication within 48 hours.
Respectfully submitted,
Fleur McKendell, MBA
President, Delaware NAACP State Conference of Branches
Resident, Town of Camden
, has entered into a 287(g) Task Force Model agreement with ICE as of April 29, 2025, making it the only law enforcement agency in Delaware to do so.){kind=link}