Providence mayor criticized Trump’s use of the National Guard in D.C.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Providence Mayor Brett Smiley criticized Trump’s use of the National Guard to address crime in Washington, D.C., and his plan to deploy them in other cities, saying it will not make communities safer.

Speaking on CNN, Smiley argued that the key to reducing violence lies in community policing, building strong relationships between local officers and the neighborhoods they serve, rather than deploying National Guard troops who lack training in urban and community policing.

Smiley acknowledged that no level of violent crime should be tolerated but noted that it remains a reality cities must confront. He said Providence continues to work to bring violent crime numbers down to zero and stressed that the administration’s proposal would not help achieve that goal.

This comes after the Trump administration named Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and several cities and counties, including Providence, Central Falls, and Bristol County, as jurisdictions it says are not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

Federal officials claim these areas are violating immigration laws and will receive notices of non-compliance, demanding local policies align with federal standards. The move follows a Trump executive order requiring DHS and DOJ to identify regions that limit cooperation with immigration authorities.

Rhode Island officials defend their policies as essential for community safety, emphasizing that community policing and strong relationships between local officers and residents are more effective than strict federal enforcement. Providence and Central Falls, which have successfully challenged similar federal actions in court, say they will continue their current practices despite renewed pressure.

Providence mayor criticized Trump’s use of the National Guard in D.C.