06/13/2026
We’re aware of a video circulating on social media that appears to depict our officers assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ERO during a traffic stop.
We want to take a moment to provide details on what occurred. On Sunday, May 31, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., a New Castle County Police Officer on patrol witnessed a Toyota Tacoma back into an unmarked vehicle displaying flashing red and blue emergency lights on Pulaski Highway in Bear, Delaware. After striking the vehicle, the Tacoma fled the scene. The officer immediately notified dispatch of the collision.
The New Castle County Police officer initiated a traffic stop on the Toyota Tacoma. While attempting to speak with the driver, the officer encountered a language barrier. Another New Castle County Police officer who was nearby responded to the scene and began assisting by communicating with the driver in Spanish, explaining the reason for the traffic stop.
While officers were making contact with the driver in the Toyota, they learned that the occupants of the unmarked vehicle were agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting an investigation involving the driver. The officer immediately notified their supervisor, and New Castle County Police officers took no further enforcement action. The driver and vehicle were subsequently turned over to ICE agents.
The New Castle County Division of Police was not involved in ICE's investigation and does not participate in federal immigration enforcement activities. Our focus remains on protecting public safety and serving the residents of New Castle County.
