New England Mayors Show Unity on Immigration Policies

Twenty-two mayors met in Providence on Wednesday to discuss shared regional concerns. The mayors all said they won’t work with ICE to deport immigrants without a judicial warrant but they can’t go against federal law and prevent ICE agents from doing their jobs

Mayor Smiley hosted 22 mayors and police chiefs on Wednesday to discuss issues such as immigration. The mayors came from every New England state except for New Hampshire.
Mayor Smiley hosted 22 mayors and police chiefs on Wednesday to discuss issues such as immigration. The mayors came from every New England state except for New Hampshire.
City of Providence
Share
Mayor Smiley hosted 22 mayors and police chiefs on Wednesday to discuss issues such as immigration. The mayors came from every New England state except for New Hampshire.
Mayor Smiley hosted 22 mayors and police chiefs on Wednesday to discuss issues such as immigration. The mayors came from every New England state except for New Hampshire.
City of Providence
New England Mayors Show Unity on Immigration Policies
Copy

A group of mayors and some of the police chiefs of 22 New England cities met in Providence Wednesday to discuss issues affecting the region. The mayors tried to present a unified message about policies on immigration amid uncertainty about the Trump administration.

When asked whether their cities have policies similar to Providence, where an ordinance prevents local law enforcement from working with federal immigration authorities who do not possess a judicial warrant, all 22 mayors raised their hands.

“We won’t ask for your papers,” said Mayor Mark Dion of Portland, Maine. “Just that phrase alone draws concern.”

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

Drop in health and economic indicators drives decline in latest KIDS COUNT report, as advocates call for urgent investments in housing, jobs, and family supports
After years of advocacy, the General Assembly approved a measure to ban the sale and manufacture — but not possession — of assault-style weapons; McKee says he will sign it into law despite criticism and looming legal challenges
Despite new taxes and fees on drivers, property owners, and nicotine pouches, the fiscal 2026 budget passed with minimal opposition and includes boosts for health care and schools — but RIPTA funding still falls short
With more than 100 bridges rated in poor condition and urgent repairs lagging, new reporting by Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio reveals the deeper infrastructure risks across the state — and the lack of clear accountability for fixing them
From Senate President Val Lawson’s dual roles to stalled ethics reforms and lobbying imbalances, Common Cause RI’s John Marion joins ‘Political Roundtable’ to assess where democracy stands—and how everyday Rhode Islanders can still make a difference
Every year, the James Beard Foundation recognizes exceptional restaurants and chefs throughout the country, one of the highest honors in the culinary field. Earlier this week, they announced this year’s winners. Sky Haneul Kim, the chef at Gift Horse in Providence, won ‘Best Chef Northeast’