Providence City Council passes police-ICE interaction amendments, gas leaf-blower ban
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence City Council passed a slate of amendments to the Community-Police Relations Act Thursday night, with the changes adding guidance on how city police should interact with ICE agents.
The five changes passed in a unanimous vote:
- New limitations on Providence police officers from helping ice agents
- Clarifying prohibited collaboration without a warrant
- Building protected spaces
- Limiting the collection of personal data and
- “Giving the community the tools they need to hold the city accountable.”
City Councilor Miguel Sanchez introduced the amendments to the body, and City Council President Rachel Miller said that if the new changes were to be violated, “the community will have accountability and recourse.”
The ICE amendments were accompanied by a proposed gas-powered leaf blower ban, which was being voted on for the second time and did pass Thursday.
It also passed in its first vote.
While the measure passed with a 9-3 vote, Ward 15 Councilman Oscar Vargas voiced his dissent of the ban.
Vargas argued that Hispanic workers would be affected by the ban, forcing them to buy pricier, battery-powered versions.
One council abstained and one was absent.
The ban provides for limited use of gas-powered blowers between 2030 and 2032, and a full ban would follow in 2033.
