Rhode Island’s Democratic lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at hindering local law enforcement from employing specific agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, escalating their opposition to President Trump’s immigration policies.
The proposed ICE OUT Act would prohibit police departments in the state from hiring any individuals who became sworn officers with ICE after January 20, 2025. While supporters frame this initiative as fostering public trust, dissenters view it as a thinly veiled form of political bias at a time when police recruitment is already difficult.
The bill articulates, “A law enforcement agency… shall not employ any individual who was hired as a sworn officer of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency on or after January 20, 2025.”
This legislation seeks to amend Rhode Island’s Law Enforcement Officers’ Due Process Accountability and Transparency Act, set to come into effect in October 2026, impacting only future hires from ICE.
According to Democratic state Rep. Karen Alzate, the legislation aims to enhance relations between the police and the community. A member of the Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association also highlighted issues regarding perceived relaxed hiring parameters during the Trump administration.
However, law enforcement leaders cautioned during hearings on several Democratic-supporting policing proposals that such regulations could further hinder officer recruitment efforts in the state.
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This is not the only legislative measure targeting federal immigration enforcement in Rhode Island. Another bill introduced by state Rep. Joshua Giraldo would establish a buffer zone, prohibiting ICE activities within 200 feet of polling locations, arguing that federal presence could be seen as voter intimidation.
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Providence has already taken steps in this direction with Mayor Brett Smiley’s executive order restricting DHS officers from accessing city-owned properties, aiming to maintain public trust and service delivery.
Fox News Digital inquired with Governor Dan McKee about whether he intends to approve the ICE OUT Act should it reach his attention and also sought comments from the Department of Homeland Security.
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