News Summary
A car crash involving ICE agents occurred at the intersection of Chalkstone Boulevard and Raymond Street. The ICE vehicle had a red light and collided with a civilian SUV that had a green light, resulting in significant property damage. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported. Providence City Hall emphasized its stance on community safety and its commitment to not participating in immigration enforcement, highlighting a recent executive order by the mayor aimed at ensuring the protection of all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Providence – A car crash involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents occurred on Chalkstone Avenue on Tuesday, October 14. The incident took place at the intersection of Chalkstone Boulevard and Raymond Street shortly before 1 p.m. Providence police received an initial report suggesting that the accident involved a police officer and civilians; however, upon arrival, it was confirmed that the individuals involved were federal agents with ICE.
The crash involved an ICE SUV and a civilian sedan. Providence police reported that the civilian vehicle had a green light while the ICE vehicle had a red light upon entering the intersection. Although the ICE vehicle had its emergency lights activated during the incident, its sirens were not on. Eyewitnesses described a scenario where the ICE vehicle collided with the civilian vehicle, resulting in significant property damage as the civilian car mounted the sidewalk and crashed into a utility pole, which subsequently fell onto the civilian vehicle.
According to police spokeswoman Kristy dosReis, there were no serious injuries resulting from the crash, and no arrests or summons were issued afterward. This incident has prompted a response from Providence City Hall, emphasizing the city’s stance on immigration enforcement and community safety.
City Hall’s Press Secretary, Anthony Vega, released a statement confirming that Mayor Smiley is aware of the incident. The mayor highlighted that Providence police do not participate in immigration enforcement and will not inquire about individuals’ documentation. Mayor Smiley emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of all residents, ensuring that essential city services remain accessible without fear of immigration inquiries.
The mayor also reiterated the city’s dedication to being a welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. This commitment was underscored by an executive order titled “A Safe Providence for All,” issued by Mayor Smiley on September 22, which reaffirmed the police policy against acting as immigration enforcement officers.
An investigation into the crash is currently underway to determine the specifics and accountability regarding the accident. The incident has raised concerns in the past regarding ICE agents’ activities in Providence and their implications for city ordinances that discourage cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
In recent years, there have been various incidents involving ICE agents in Providence that prompted community discussions and debates over local policies regarding immigration enforcement. Community members and activists have consistently called for clear delineation between local law enforcement responsibilities and federal immigration duties to prevent potential misinterpretations of local ordinances.
As the investigation continues, officials and community members will be watching closely to ensure that public safety protocols are upheld and that the city remains true to its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all residents. Feedback from the community regarding this incident is likely to inform future policy discussions as Providence seeks to balance law enforcement duties with the city’s values of inclusion and safety for all its inhabitants.
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Additional Resources
- WPRI: Police Respond to Crash Involving ICE Agents in Providence
- ABC6: Providence City Hall Comments on ICE Agents Related Car Crash
- Providence Journal: ICE Agents Involved in Vehicle Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Google News: ICE Agents Providence Crash
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
