Providence City Council Launches ‘Know Your Rights’ Campaign

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Residents of Providence come together to learn about their rights regarding immigration enforcement.

News Summary

The Providence City Council has launched a ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign to educate residents about their rights during encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The initiative, which allocates $17,000 for informative mailers in English and Spanish, aims to inform undocumented individuals about their constitutional rights. The campaign emerges amid rising tensions over immigration policies, while the city remains committed to non-cooperation with ICE and fostering a safe environment for immigrants.

Providence – The Providence City Council has initiated a new campaign called “Know Your Rights” in response to growing concerns over immigration enforcement and the impact of federal policies on local communities. This campaign aims to educate residents, particularly undocumented individuals, about their constitutional rights in encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The city council has allocated $17,000 to distribute informative mailers to over 62,500 households in Providence. These mailers, available in both English and Spanish, instruct residents on how to respond during ICE encounters, specifically advising them not to open their doors without a valid warrant. Additionally, the lower section of the mailers includes a pocket-sized card that summarizes essential rights concerning immigration enforcement.

This initiative comes amid rising tensions and public protests linked to immigration policies at both state and federal levels. Recently, a large demonstration organized by PSL Rhode Island took place outside the Federal Center on Westminster Street in Providence, where participants voiced their support for immigrant rights and denounced ICE actions. The protest was held in solidarity with similar events occurring in Los Angeles, triggered by the increased deployment of National Guard troops in response to unrest associated with ICE arrests.

While the Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley has chosen not to label the city as a “sanctuary city” to avoid potential backlash, the city maintains a policy of non-cooperation with ICE, further strengthening protections for its immigrant population. The city’s Community relations act prohibits police from assisting federal immigration enforcement without a warrant, reinforcing the council’s commitment to a safe and welcoming environment.

The mailers developed for this campaign are a direct response to what the council described as “brutal and unconstitutional” immigration enforcement tactics. Council members have expressed that the city stands firm in creating a supportive community for all residents, regardless of their documentation status. Councilman John Goncalves has reiterated that Providence will remain a “safe and welcoming city for immigrants,” emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests and community safety.

Council President Rachel Miller has highlighted that the intent behind the mailer campaign is to foster inclusion and safety amid growing fears within immigrant communities fueled by the Trump administration’s policies. The council has partnered with over a dozen local immigrant rights organizations to ensure comprehensive support and resources are included in the mailers, such as a 24/7 legal assistance helpline provided by Dorcas International.

However, the campaign has faced criticism from the Rhode Island Republican Party, which has called for an investigation into the funding of the mailers, labeling them as “propaganda” aimed at illegal immigrants. GOP officials argue that the city council is misusing taxpayer funds and prioritizing undocumented immigrants over legal residents of Providence.

As tensions regarding immigration enforcement continue to rise, the “Know Your Rights” campaign represents a vital effort by the Providence City Council to empower and protect the local immigrant population. This initiative not only seeks to educate residents on their rights but also illustrates the council’s stance against aggressive federal immigration actions that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.