Federal Judge Rules Against Biden’s Home State in ICE Labor Data Dispute
Subpoena and data requested
The subpoena seeks wage reports and employee records from 15 businesses. The request covers two quarters, totaling 30 records.
Records include employee names, Social Security numbers and wages reported to Delaware’s unemployment insurance system. Federal investigators say the information helps spot fraudulent Social Security numbers and off-the-books labor.
Court decision and reasoning
Judge Connolly, a Trump-appointed jurist, ruled the subpoena lawful and relevant to a legitimate investigation. He also found the burden on the state minimal.
The court rejected Delaware’s argument that disclosure would harm its unemployment insurance programs. Connolly said those claims lacked adequate support and were not a proper legal defense.
On Delaware’s objections
State officials had argued they could refuse the federal demand. They warned that compliance would undermine worker reporting and state programs.
The judge treated those points as political objections, not legal grounds for refusal. He declined to consider generalized grievances about the conduct of government.
Reactions and implications
The ruling marks a setback for Biden’s home state in an ICE labor data dispute. It also reflects the federal government’s push to broaden immigration enforcement tools.
Delaware reportedly ignored multiple ICE subpoenas in early 2025. The federal government sued to enforce the requests after repeated noncompliance.
Federal response
Delaware’s newly appointed U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wallace said the decision affirms that federal law applies to all entities. He added it does so regardless of policy disagreements.
The state has not publicly announced whether it will appeal the ruling. Federal prosecutors had issued follow-up warnings after initial nonresponse.
Next steps
The Delaware Department of Labor must produce the requested records unless an appeal halts enforcement. Federal investigators will use the data in their probe.
Filmogaz.com contacted the Delaware Department of Labor, the Delaware Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, DHS and ICE for comment.
