News Summary
Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence has implemented an executive order titled “A Secure Providence for All,” which prevents police from collaborating with ICE, aimed at building trust with the immigrant community. This decision follows allegations of police assistance to ICE, which local authorities firmly deny. The order includes transparency measures, such as mandatory body cameras for officers. The administration’s focus is on ensuring the safety of all residents without fear of immigration status inquiries, reaffirming support for local immigration services.
Providence – Mayor Brett Smiley has enacted a significant executive order titled “A Secure Providence for All,” which prohibits city police officers from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This measure is designed to foster stronger trust between the immigrant community and local law enforcement.
The decision to implement this order follows accusations that police officers in Providence had assisted ICE agents during the detention of an immigrant in July. Although these allegations were previously denied by Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez, they have contributed to the city’s current approach to immigration enforcement.
Rhode Island Lt. Governor Sabina Matos publicly endorsed the executive order, underlining its significance in affirming that Providence police do not function as ICE agents. This sentiment is echoed throughout the community as local authorities work to assure residents that their safety is paramount.
Among the stipulations of this executive order is a directive that prohibits Providence police officers from wearing masks to conceal their identities. Officers must now wear body cameras and provide full identification during all interactions. Chief Perez emphasized the commitment to transparency, stating that officers have never masked up and highlighted the importance of this new policy in upholding public trust.
While there may be exceptions for undercover officers for safety reasons, Chief Perez pointed out that this has not yet been a practice within the department.
Support for Immigration Services and Community Safety
Alongside the prohibition on police cooperation with ICE, local authorities have reaffirmed their support for organizations that provide immigration services within the community. They have also advocated for Congress to maintain Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants, reinforcing the city’s stance on supporting vulnerable populations.
The executive order aims to clarify existing policies regarding police interaction with federal immigration agencies. Mayor Smiley asserted that Providence police should prioritize public safety and not serve as immigration officers, ensuring that residents can contact the police during emergencies without the fear of being questioned about their immigration status.
It is critical for community members to feel safe within their neighborhoods, devoid of threats from federal immigration enforcement. This order aligns with recent findings from the Providence External Review Authority, which indicated that police officers had violated department and city policies in their interactions with ICE back in July.
Background Context on Providence’s Police Strategy
The police union has critiqued the review report that outlined these violations, indicating tension regarding the department’s operations. Notably, under the previous administration, the Providence police department had been labeled as a “sanctuary jurisdiction,” further complicating community relations and federal dialogues around immigration enforcement.
Mayor Smiley has expressed a preference for prioritizing community safety over potential federal consequences, such as the loss of federal grants. This latest executive order is a testament to the administration’s commitment to nurturing a safer and more trusting environment for all Providence residents.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Immigration enforcement in the United States
- WPRI
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Policy
- Providence Journal
- Google News: Providence immigration enforcement
- Providence Business News
- GoLocalProv
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.
