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.
See how Providence's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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