ICE detains two people in Dewey Beach

Federal ICE agents detained two people in Dewey Beach the morning of April 22, the Delaware State Police confirmed.

At about 8:10 a.m., April 22, troopers observed a black Chevrolet Tahoe, which had been involved in a pursuit with Fenwick Island Police Department about half an hour prior, traveling northbound on Route 1 near Tulip Drive in Lewes.

Troopers pulled the vehicle over, spoke to the driver and confirmed that he and two passengers fled from Fenwick Island Police Department. All three were detained as part of the pursuit investigation and were taken to Read Avenue in Dewey Beach to meet with Fenwick Island Police.

According to Delaware State Police Master Cpl. Lewis Briggs, when the state troopers arrived to transfer custody to Fenwick Island Police, ICE agents were there and took custody of the two passengers. It is not immediately clear where the passengers were taken or where they are now. 

According to Briggs, it was later learned the vehicle and its occupants were involved in an incident with ICE agents in Ocean City, Md., prior to the pursuit. Details of the incident were not provided.

Dewey Beach Police Department said they had no involvement in the situation.

The Delaware State Police noted it does not have any formal agreements with ICE.

“Our mission remains focused on ensuring public safety for all Delawareans and visitors to our state,” Briggs said. “Regarding any potential future requests from ICE, the Delaware State Police does not engage in hypotheticals. We assess real-time situations based on their immediate public safety impact and respond accordingly.”