Protest Erupts Against ICE Detainment at Rhode Island Hospital

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Protesters gather to oppose the actions of ICE at Rhode Island Hospital.

News Summary

A protest with approximately 85 attendees took place outside Rhode Island Hospital, opposing ICE’s detainment of a man following a stun gun incident. Legal representatives expressed concerns over access to counsel and treatment. The protest showcased community pushback against ICE activities and sparked discussions about immigration enforcement practices within local neighborhoods. Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos voiced concerns about potential due process violations, urging timely access to legal representation for the detained man amid ongoing police and community actions.

Providence, Rhode Island – Approximately 85 protesters gathered outside Rhode Island Hospital to oppose the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the detainment of a man who had been brought to the facility after a stun gun incident. The protest was prompted by concerns over the lack of clarity surrounding the man’s detainment and the circumstances surrounding his hospitalization.

The man’s detainment by ICE reportedly occurred at his home in the Dexter Park neighborhood before he was transported to the hospital. Legal representatives have raised significant concerns regarding the man’s treatment and access to legal counsel. An attorney representing the detained man, Kelvin Santos, stated that he was denied access to his client even though there was a signed form designating him as the legal representative. This has sparked outrage among legal advocates and community members alike.

As the situation unfolded, Santos revealed that ICE agents had employed a stun gun during the man’s arrest, which raised additional concerns about the use of force. After the utilization of the stun gun, the man allegedly experienced a medical episode and required medical evaluation from the Providence Fire Department before his transfer to the hospital for further treatment.

The protest took place peacefully at the intersection of Culver and Dudley streets, located across from Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Rhode Island Hospital Emergency Center. Rhode Island Hospital remained operational throughout the event, and there was no evacuation of the facility. Officials noted that the demonstration was organized swiftly by the Rhode Island Deportation Defense Coalition after reports of ICE presence in the area began circulating.

Protest organizers voiced their commitment to combating ICE’s activities within the community, asserting that the presence of ICE officers creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents. As part of the demonstration, community members contacted ICE’s hotline to voice their concerns regarding the detainment and the potential lack of legal representation for the individual involved.

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos expressed her apprehension about possible violations of due process rights related to the situation. She urged ICE to ensure that the detained man be granted timely access to his attorney, reinforcing the critical importance of legal representation in such cases. A spokesperson for ICE responded by stating that the detained man had a criminal history and became combative during his arrest, which justified the minimum force used during the encounter.

The protest lasted over three hours and concluded around 4 p.m., coinciding with the man’s discharge from the hospital. Following the protest, legal advocates continued their efforts to locate the man, whose whereabouts remained unclear post-hospitalization. Meanwhile, the presence of Providence police was confirmed, who ensured the protest remained peaceful but did not participate in the ICE operation.

The coordinated efforts of the Party for Socialism and Liberation Rhode Island in organizing the protest highlighted a growing movement within the community to confront ICE’s actions and support detained individuals and their families. The overall circumstances raised questions about the broader implications of immigration enforcement practices on local communities and the rights of individuals facing detainment.