Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer portrays himself as a law-and-order Democrat. But there are some laws — America’s laws against illegal immigration, for example — he refuses to enforce.
“I am directing that CID (Criminal Investigation Division) staff are not to work with immigration officials to target for enforcement actions individuals not legally in our country but also not committing criminal acts,” Stollsteimer posted in a message on Facebook. “Simply put, we will not participate in ’round ups’ of people living peacefully in Delaware County.”
The two-term D.A. insists his office will help Immigration and Customs Enforcement with cases involving people who are breaking U.S. immigration law, as long as they are charged with an additional crime as well.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with our federal partners to investigate and hold criminals accountable, and if those criminals are not legally in this country, we will without hesitation cooperate with immigration officials who seek their legal removal from the United States,” Stollsteimer wrote.
Stollsteimer implied that enforcing immigration law was somehow suspect and that immigration status is related to people’s race or religion.
“As prosecutors and investigators, we advocate for all victims of crime in Delaware County, irrespective of what those victims look like, who they love, who they pray to, or their legal status in our country,” Stollsteimer wrote. “My policy…without exception, is that we are not to inquire about a victim or witness’ legal status in the United States, nor will we report to immigration officials a victim or witness who we learn is not a legal resident.”
Stollsteimer’s position is viewed as problematic by many legal experts. It also runs counter to national polling showing widespread support for more enforcement of immigration laws.
“Stollsteimer’s announcement is self-serving. He is setting up ICE as a straw man, the villain, in order to try to make himself look like a hero,” said Jessica Vaughan with the Center for Immigration Studies.
“ICE is not asking local law enforcement agencies to help them arrest non-criminals, and for him to imply that they are is shamelessly manipulative, and could create fear among immigrants in the community.”
There are also potential legal risks. On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a lawsuit against New York officials for shielding illegal aliens by refusing to follow the law.
“This is a new DOJ,” Bondi told reporters. “New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops. It stops today.”
Charlie Alexander, a Marple Township resident and candidate for county council, also opposes the DA’s stance.
“Jack Stollsteimer’s comments today prove once again that he and the people running our county are more interested in serving their financial puppet masters than the people of Delco. This is why a change is needed, and I plan on bringing that change when elected to the Delaware County Council.
“After chastising the citizens of this county for months and calling concerned citizens liars about the sanctuary status of this county, Jack Stollsteimer’s comments prove that his council counterparts are nothing more than liars that cannot be trusted,” Alexander said.
State Rep. Craig Williams (R-Chester/Delaware) said he was surprised at Stollsteimer’s stance.
“As a former federal prosecutor who prosecuted many illegal immigration cases, I can say that an ICE detainer is a valuable tool for keeping our communities safe,” said Williams. “An ICE detainer may be placed on anyone in custody of local authorities regardless of other criminal charges.”
Dustin Slaughter, a spokesperson for Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner, said Krasner’s policy is the same.
“Additionally, should any ICE officer violate the law in Philadelphia while carrying out their duties, we won’t hesitate to investigate and hold them appropriately accountable,” said Slaughter.
The district attorneys for Montgomery, Bucks and Chester counties did not respond when asked what their policies regarding ICE apprehensions are. A spokesperson for ICE also declined to comment.
Stollsteimer, a Democrat, was elected to his second term as DA in 2023. In 2024, Stollsteimer ran for state attorney general and lost to Eugene DePasquale in a crowded primary.
Liberal billionaire George Soros contributed to both Stollsteimer and Krasner’s first campaigns for DA, among a bevy of progressive district attorneys nationwide.
Stollsteimer also ran for attorney general in the 2016 election. Josh Shapiro, now governor, won that contest.
