Rhode Island Designated as Sanctuary Jurisdiction by DHS

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Providence, Rhode Island at sunset, symbolizing community and urban life amidst immigration discussions.

News Summary

The Department of Homeland Security has classified Rhode Island as a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ post the executive order from President Trump. Governor Dan McKee asserts that the state does not obstruct federal immigration laws. This designation raises concerns about potential impacts on local funding and community trust, as other New England states are similarly identified, provoking complex discussions on immigration policies and public safety.

Providence, Rhode Island – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially listed Rhode Island as a “sanctuary jurisdiction,” a designation that follows a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The state, along with the cities of Central Falls and Providence, has been named in a newly released federal list aimed at identifying areas that reportedly “obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws.”

This list was published on May 29 as part of an executive order enacted in April. This order mandates that the federal government publicly declare jurisdictions that do not comply with federal immigration enforcement efforts. According to the DHS, the designation of Rhode Island hinges on various factors, including the state’s cooperation with federal law enforcement, its information-sharing practices, and its legal protections for individuals residing in the country illegally.

In response to the designation, Governor Dan McKee emphasized that Rhode Island does not qualify as a sanctuary state. He referenced a federal court decision known as Morales, which governs the state’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and stipulates that such collaboration occurs only when there is a warrant present. McKee highlighted that detaining individuals without a warrant could infringe upon the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

DHS plans to issue formal notifications to those jurisdictions identified as non-compliant with federal immigration statutes. However, as of the latest information available, Rhode Island has not yet received any such formal notice from the DHS. In addition to Rhode Island, other states in the region, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Connecticut, have also been identified in the federal list, raising the concern of a widespread impact across New England.

Local leaders have expressed concern over how this designation may affect federal funding for the state. There is apprehension regarding the potential repercussions for local budgeting and the ability to support community services, given the uncertainty created by the federal government’s stance on immigration and local policies.

Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera stated that her city’s policies are in line with the community’s values, asserting a commitment to maintaining trust between local police and residents. Similarly, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley reiterated that the city’s practices do not conflict with federal immigration regulations while emphasizing the success of community policing in fostering cooperation and safety within neighborhoods.

The Trump administration claims that jurisdictions named in the list are “deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws,” which they argue poses risks to national safety and law enforcement personnel. The order covers approximately 500 jurisdictions across various states, compelling these local governments to assess and modify their immigration policies to ensure alignment with federal mandates.

Recent trends indicate a shift in how immigrant enforcement actions are executed, with a growing reliance on federal court orders rather than civil detainers. This change may affect how local law enforcement agencies engage with ICE and manage their immigration-related responsibilities.

As the situation unfolds, Rhode Island leaders continue to navigate challenging conversations around immigration and local community dynamics. Governor McKee has articulated that while the state endeavors to keep violent offenders out of Rhode Island, the current federal designation has instigated fear among community members, complicating the efforts to maintain public safety and trust.

The DHS’s order also allows for regular updates and changes to the jurisdiction list, signaling to local governments the importance of evaluating their policies regularly to avoid future designations. This constant evolution reiterates the ongoing complexity associated with immigration enforcement and the tension it brings between federal and state regulations.