Providence bans ICE from using city property

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Providence Mayor Brett Smiley signed a new executive order Tuesday that restricts how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can operate on city-owned property.

The executive order, named “A Safe Providence For All”, prohibits ICE from using city owned buildings, land, or facilities as staging areas or operational bases for civil immigration enforcement. City officials say the goal is to prevent municipal property from being used to support federal civil enforcement actions.

The move comes as immigration enforcement remains a flashpoint nationwide, with protests erupting in several cities over ICE activity and deportation policies tied to the Trump administration. Providence has seen its own demonstrations in recent weeks, as concerns grow over the impact of federal enforcement on local communities.

In a statement, Smiley said the order is focused on increasing community safety and trust, something he said he prioritizes over federal grants.

City leaders say separating local law enforcement from ICE activity is critical to maintaining trust across neighborhoods.

Supporters argue the order sends a clear message of protection for immigrant families, while critics question whether it will have any real effect. Others are asking a bigger question: will this policy actually work, or does it simply put Providence on the map as a city more likely to be targeted by ICE?