Providence has no formal sanctuary law but the Community-Police Relations Act and 2017 executive order limit Providence Police involvement in federal immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant.
Providence's Community-Police Relations Act, paired with the Mayor's 2017 executive order, instructs Providence Police not to ask about immigration status during routine interactions, not to detain individuals on civil ICE detainers, and not to allow ICE access to non-public department spaces without a judicial warrant. Officers may still cooperate on criminal warrants. Rhode Island has not passed a statewide sanctuary statute, leaving this an informal city policy. Schools and the Providence Public Library follow related access policies. The policy is reviewed periodically by the Providence External Review Authority.
Officers who violate the policy can face internal discipline, while there are no fines on residents. Federal enforcement of immigration law continues independently in Providence.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Providence, RI
Providence has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within pr...
Providence, RI
Providence has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must remain on private property and ...
Providence, RI
Providence does not have a dedicated ordinance restricting residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety and nuisance standards apply. Permanent ex...
Providence, RI
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Providence require permits from the Department of Inspection and Standards when they involve gas, plumbing, electrical, or stru...
Providence, RI
Providence treats wood, pellet, and charcoal smokers the same as charcoal grills under NFPA 1 Section 10.11.7 (Rhode Island State Fire Code). Use on balconie...
Providence, RI
Rhode Island has adopted NFPA 1 (the National Fire Protection Association Uniform Fire Code, 2018 edition) under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 23-28.1 as the State ...
See how Providence's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.