News Summary
Rhode Island is witnessing the emergence of ‘immigrant defense zones’ as 25 local businesses pledge to protect immigrant communities from federal immigration agents. Spearheaded by the Rhode Island Deportation Defense Coalition, this initiative allows businesses to close their doors to ICE unless presented with a judicial warrant. This effort includes crucial community support mechanisms such as a hotline for reporting ICE activities. As tensions rise around immigration enforcement, local advocates aim to further solidify a welcoming environment for all residents.
Rhode Island is witnessing a growing network of businesses that are standing in solidarity with immigrant communities by establishing “immigrant defense zones.” As of July 18, 25 businesses in the state have pledged to close their doors to federal immigration agents unless they possess a judicial warrant.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Rhode Island Deportation Defense Coalition, which has been operational since February. Key figures in the coalition include Kate Hao, Jair Perez, as well as members from various organizations like the Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance (AMOR), the Party for Socialism and Liberation Rhode Island, and the Olneyville Neighborhood Association.
This pledge is encapsulated with the motto: “There’s no warrant, no detention. Not on our watch.” This reflects the stance that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents can only access public spaces when they have judicial warrants.
Businesses participating in this initiative will prominently display signs that indicate their status as a “defense zone” for immigrants. These signs will also provide a hotline number, 401-675-1414, for community members to report any ICE activities in the vicinity. This hotline mirrors a similar service operating in Massachusetts, where the coalition dispatches volunteers to confirm reports of ICE agents in the area.
If any ICE activity is verified, the coalition is prepared to notify a network of over a thousand individuals to organize and ensure the safety of community members. Many of the businesses involved are primarily located in the Southside of Providence and Westminster Street area, which has become a focal point for this supportive movement. Among the businesses that have committed to this initiative are Crown Fried Chicken, Down the Road Movers, and Frog & Toad, which operates two locations.
The movement is designed to reflect a broader commitment to community welfare, promoting the notion that advocates are standing up for all people, not just citizens advocating for immigrants. This initiative gained traction after growing community concerns arose following an incident where Providence police were seen collaborating with ICE agents during an arrest.
With ambitions to extend the immigrant defense zones beyond the Southside area, the coalition aims to expand its reach into the East Side, West End, and Olneyville neighborhoods. To further engage the community, the coalition has scheduled a community meeting on July 26 at noon at 807 Broad St. in Providence to discuss the ongoing efforts and strategies.
In response to these developments, Providence City Council members have requested a review of local police interactions with ICE, spurred by the recent events that raised concerns about federal enforcement practices. Mayor Brett Smiley has also publicly reaffirmed that the Providence Police Department will not be involved in enforcing federal immigration law, emphasizing the city’s goal to remain safe and welcoming for residents of all backgrounds.
This growing movement of “immigrant defense zones” represents a significant community effort in Rhode Island to provide a safe environment for immigrants amidst increasing visibility of federal immigration operations across the United States. Through collective action, local business owners and community advocates aim to cultivate a culture of support, protection, and solidarity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Boston.com: Dozens of Rhode Island Businesses Pledge to Keep ICE Out
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- WPRI: RI Businesses Set Up Immigrant Defense Zones in Response to ICE Presence
- Google Search: Rhode Island businesses immigrant defense zones
- Providence Journal: After Controversial ICE Raid, Providence Businesses Create Immigrant Defense Zones
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Reform
