PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Providence City Council has unanimously approved a series of amendments to the immigration sections of the Community-Police Relations Act (CPRA). The changes aim to strengthen protections for city residents and increase accountability in police interactions with federal immigration authorities.
The amendments, introduced by Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6), were developed after extensive research and collaboration with local and national experts. They focus on five key areas: limiting voluntary cooperation between the Providence Police Department (PPD) and federal immigration enforcement, clarifying restrictions on collaboration without a signed judicial warrant, establishing protected community spaces, restricting the collection and disclosure of sensitive data, and expanding opportunities for community organizations to hold the city accountable for violations.
“Providence thrives when every resident can live without fear,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “With Donald Trump’s cruel targeting of immigrant communities, that sense of safety feels out of reach for too many of our undocumented neighbors. What we can control, as a city, is how our police interact with federal agents operating outside the bounds of due process. With these amendments, we make clear: they will not.”
The updated ordinance broadens the definition of federal immigration enforcement to include agencies deputized under federal authority. It also prohibits Providence police from providing translation or verification services that could aid immigration operations. The amendments reaffirm that local law enforcement may only cooperate with federal authorities under a valid, signed criminal judicial warrant, not civil immigration warrants.
Other provisions expand “protected spaces” in Providence, to include charter schools, city-run preschool and early-learning programs, and daycare and after-school facilities, where immigration enforcement officers may not enter without a warrant. The ordinance also limits data collection through city surveillance systems and requires partner agencies to comply with the city’s privacy restrictions.
Finally, the amendments establish organizational standing, which allows civil rights and community organizations to bring legal action against the city or officers for alleged CPRA violations. Supporters say this ensures accountability and transparency within city government.
Councilors described the vote as a reaffirmation of Providence’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of immigration status, can live and work without fear of undue enforcement.
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