News Summary
In a significant move to support immigrant communities, over two dozen businesses in Rhode Island have committed to creating ‘immigrant defense zones’. This initiative involves allowing federal agents only with valid judicial warrants and providing resources for community members to report ICE activity. The effort, led by the Rhode Island Deportation Defense Coalition, seeks to offer safety amid rising immigration enforcement and build solidarity with vulnerable populations by displaying clear defense zone signage.
Providence, Rhode Island – On July 18, over two dozen businesses across Rhode Island have committed to a new initiative called “immigrant defense zones”, aimed at protecting immigrant community members from federal immigration agents. A total of 25 businesses have pledged to only allow federal agents into their establishments with a valid judicial warrant.
The announcement was made outside Crown Fried Chicken in Providence by members of the Rhode Island Deportation Defense Coalition. This coalition has been operating since February and comprises several local organizations advocating for immigrant rights, including the Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance (AMOR), the Party for Socialism and Liberation Rhode Island (PSL-RI), and the Olneyville Neighborhood Association (ONA).
Under this initiative, participating businesses will visibly display signs marking them as defense zones and provide a dedicated hotline number, (401-675-1414), for community members to report any ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity. The Alabama-based National Immigration Law Center confirms that ICE agents cannot enter private spaces without a judicial warrant, reinforcing the importance of this initiative. With the rise in ICE enforcement actions, the coalition seeks to assure community members that their rights will be upheld.
In response to reported sightings of ICE agents, volunteers from the coalition will be deployed to verify claims and, should they confirm active enforcement, mobilize a network exceeding 1,000 community members to protect those being targeted by ICE. Most participating businesses are concentrated in the Southside of Providence and the Westminster Street area, including well-known local establishments such as Down the Road Movers and Frog & Toad.
Trent Manning, the founder of Down the Road Movers, emphasized that the initiative signifies solidarity with immigrant communities, particularly as these communities often experience systemic targeting, especially among Black and brown immigrants. Leaders of the coalition are also working to expand the initiative beyond the Southside area, with additional businesses from the East Side, West End, and Olneyville joining the cause.
A community meeting is scheduled for July 26 at the Providence Liberation Center, intended to address ongoing concerns regarding deportation practices and community safety. In addition to the hotline for reporting ICE activity, the Rhode Island Deportation Defense Coalition has introduced a devoted phone line operational from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, aimed at providing timely counsel and support for those in the immigrant community.
This initiative follows a tumultuous period where local police actions raised significant alarms about potential collaborations between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. Notably, recent incidents brought to light instances where local police were seen assisting ICE agents during detentions, provoking community outrage and a demand for transparency in law enforcement practices.
Providence city officials are increasingly under scrutiny concerning their method of handling incidents connected to ICE, especially as public trust wanes among immigrant households. Advocacy groups have previously circulated “Know Your Rights” mailers to inform residents of their legal protections against ICE actions, further underscoring the importance of the immigrant defense zones initiative in promoting awareness and safety for marginalized populations.
As the campaign develops, stakeholders are hopeful that more businesses will join the movement, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding the immigrant community in Rhode Island.
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Dozens of Rhode Island Businesses Pledge to Keep ICE Out
- Google Search: Immigrant Defense Zones
- WPRI: RI Businesses Set Up Immigrant Defense Zones in Response to ICE Presence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Rights
- Providence Journal: After Controversial ICE Raid, Providence Businesses Create Immigrant Defense Zones
- Google News: ICE Enforcement
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.
