September 30, 2025

Criticism of Mayor Smiley over Immigrant Protection Failures

News Summary

In a recent statement, Providence mayoral candidate David Morales has criticized Mayor Brett Smiley for not adequately protecting immigrant residents after two incidents involving ICE agents. Morales described Smiley’s executive order aimed at safeguarding immigrant communities as performative, arguing it falls short in reality. As tensions rise over immigrant safety, advocacy for enhanced protections continues amidst preparations for the upcoming mayoral election.

Providence—Rhode Island Representative and Providence mayoral candidate David Morales has criticized current Mayor Brett Smiley for failing to protect immigrant residents after two incidents involving masked ICE agents in the city. Morales made these remarks on Monday, shortly after Smiley issued an executive order titled “A Safe Providence for All” on September 22.

Morales described the executive order as “performative,” highlighting a shortfall in the mayor’s commitment to safeguarding immigrant communities. The first incident occurred on September 23, when masked ICE agents detained a man outside Rhode Island Superior Court, an event made more distressing as it took place in front of the man’s son. The second reported operation took place on Cranston Street the following day, September 24.

Morales expressed concern over the mayor’s silence following these events, stating that it took less than 24 hours for Smiley to fail in his promise of protection for immigrant neighbors. He has called for residents to remain vigilant and to get in touch with the Deportation Defense Network if they suspect ICE activities are occurring in their neighborhood. Morales emphasized that “Every Providence neighbor deserves to feel safe in our city.”

In response to the criticism, Providence City Hall Director of Communications, Josh Estrella, defended Mayor Smiley’s executive order. According to Estrella, the order aims to reaffirm public trust in the Providence Police Department and to clarify that police will not identify as immigration officials or conceal their identities. He noted that the Providence Police do not partake in civil immigration enforcement and will not ask about individuals’ immigration status.

Estrella also highlighted that while cities cannot prevent federal agencies such as ICE from operating within their jurisdictions, the mayor has consistently utilized available tools to encourage federal compliance with local laws. The mayor’s office maintains that these actions reflect their ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all constituents in Providence.

The tensions surrounding immigrant protection in Providence come at a pivotal time, as the city gears up for its mayoral election scheduled for November 2026. As candidates like Morales continue to challenge the current administration, the debate over how best to support vulnerable communities and manage interactions with federal immigration enforcement remains a central issue in local politics.

As community concerns grow, the relationship between local government and federal agencies will be scrutinized, particularly as further reports of ICE operations arise. Advocacy groups and residents alike are increasingly vocal about the need for enhanced protections for immigrant families in the city, signifying that this issue will likely remain at the forefront during the upcoming electoral season.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

David Morales Launches Mayor Campaign in Providence
Supreme Court Backs Racial Profiling in Immigration Checks
Emergency Ruling Halts Deportation of Guatemalan Minors
Immigration Policy Shake-Up: Judge Halts Trump’s Rapid Removal Strategy
Federal Judge’s Order to Close Alligator Alcatraz
Rhode Island Designated as Sanctuary Jurisdiction by DOJ
Rhode Island Businesses Establish Immigrant Defense Zones
Rhode Island Businesses Launch Immigrant Defense Zones
Providence Restaurant Worker Detained by ICE for Months
Nationwide Protests Honoring the Legacy of John Lewis

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

PROVIDENCE STAFF 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.

STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

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