Morales criticizes Mayor Smiley after reported masked ICE operations in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Representative and Providence mayoral candidate David Morales criticized current Mayor Brett Smiley in the wake of two recent reported masked ICE agent operations in the city.

Morales’ Monday statement comes on the heels of Mayor Smiley’s September 22 “A Safe Providence for All” executive order, which Rep. Morales called “performative.”

In the statement, Morales pointed to a reported September 23 operation where masked ICE agents detained a man outside of Rhode Island Superior Court in front of the man’s son.

“It took less than 24 hours for the mayor to fall flat on his promise to protect our immigrant neighbors in Providence as he stayed silent,” said Morales in the statement.

The second reported incident involving masked ICE agents took place on Cranston Street on September 24.

ABC6 reached out to the Boston ICE field office for confirmation of these two operations.

The September 22 executive order from Mayor Smiley was aimed at reaffirming public trust in the Providence Police Department, and clarifying that city police won’t conceal their identities or act as immigration officials.

“While the mayor remains silent as ICE continues to terrorize our communities, I encourage all our neighbors to stay vigilant and call the Deportation Defense Network regarding any suspected ICE activity in Providence. Every Providence neighbor deserves to feel safe in our city,” said Morales. 

When reached for comment in this matter, Providence City Hall Director of Communications Josh Estrella said in full:

“Last week, surrounded by community partners and faith leaders from across Providence, Mayor Smiley took action to protect all of our neighbors. The executive order we signed last week underscores Mayor Smiley’s commitment to ensuring a welcoming city for all and reaffirms that the Providence Police Department does not engage in civil immigration enforcement and will never ask about immigration status.

While no city has the authority to prevent federal agencies from entering our neighborhoods or abiding by our City’s laws, the Mayor is using every tool available to him, such as last week’s executive order, to urge federal agencies to follow Rhode Island state law and comply with local policies – including both masking and body camera policies.”

The upcoming Providence mayoral election will be held in November of 2026.