Court Orders Delaware Department of Labor to Comply with Lawfully Issued Federal Subpoena

WILMINGTON, Del. - On April 13, 2026, Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly granted the United States's Petition to Enforce a Department of Homeland Security Administrative Subpoena issued to the Delaware Department of Labor.

Last year, Homeland Security Investigations ("HSI") issued an administrative subpoena to the Delaware Department of Labor ("DDOL") seeking documents for several specified Delaware businesses as part of an ongoing immigration-related worksite enforcement investigation being conducted by HSI. DDOL refused to provide the documents demanded by the subpoena. As a result, the United States filed suit seeking to enforce the subpoena. In his ruling, Chief Judge Connolly held that HSI's investigation had a legitimate purpose, that the administrative subpoena sought information relevant to its investigation, and that the subpoena was not unreasonably broad or burdensome. As a result, Chief Judge Connolly held that HSI's administrative subpoena was valid and enforceable. DDOL must now comply with the subpoena and produce the documents demanded therein.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace stated, "Congress gave HSI the authority to issue administrative subpoenas within its area of responsibility. Delaware's state agencies have historically complied with federal subpoenas, as they are required to do by law. But here, a state agency refused to comply-not for legal reasons, but for political ones. That could not stand, so we sued to enforce the subpoena. We are gratified that the Court recognized the simple truth at the core of this case: federal law applies to everyone, whether they are a state or private entity, and whether they agree or disagree with the federal government's policy priorities."

Special Agent in Charge Eric McLoughlin stated, "HSI is committed to upholding the integrity of our nation's labor laws and ensuring that investigations are conducted thoroughly and lawfully. The court's decision affirms the legitimacy of our worksite enforcement investigations and the necessity of access to relevant records. We appreciate the support of our partners in the U.S. Attorney's Office and will continue to pursue all necessary avenues to protect the interests of American workers and businesses."

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District CourtLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. for the District of Delaware or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 25-mc-322-CFC.

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