PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Providence officials are making a major push to ensure residents know their rights when it comes to interactions with law enforcement and immigration authorities.
The Providence City Council is mailing out ‘Know Your Rights’ postcards to more than 62,000 households across the city. The double-sided mailer, written in both English and Spanish, offers step-by-step instructions on what to do if approached by immigration officers, including how to safely respond if agents come to your door.
The mailer also highlights free legal resources and includes a detachable wallet card that residents can keep on hand to present to immigration officials if a proper warrant is not provided.
City Council leaders say the mailers are being sent in direct response to recent immigration enforcement activity under the Trump Administration. Under that administration, officials secured the extradition of cartel members, alleged gang affiliates, individuals involved in violent crimes, and revoked visas of those linked to terrorist support.
Providence City Council President Rachel Miller said, “For nearly 400 years, immigrants have been vital to Providence. We want every person in our community to feel welcomed and to understand their rights.”
The city partnered with over a dozen local immigrant rights and advocacy organizations to develop the content of the mailer.
The total cost of the initiative is approximately $17,000 for printing and postage, with residents expected to begin receiving the postcards within days.
The city emphasized this is about education and protection, particularly for vulnerable immigrant communities.
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