Providence says it is not in violation of any federal laws in response to Trump sanctuary city EO

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The City of Providence responded to a new Trump administration Executive Order that would directed state and federal officials to publish lists of “sanctuary city” jurisdictions due to alleged “obstruction” of immigration enforcement by saying the city was in compliance with federal law.

The Executive Order said that sanctuary jurisdictions would be notified “regarding [their] defiance of federal immigration law enforcement and any potential violations of federal criminal law.”

It also said that sanctuary jurisdictions would be eligible for suspension of federal funds and that the federal government would “pursue all necessary legal remedies and enforcement measures to end these violations and bring such jurisdictions into compliance with the laws of the United States.”

A spokesperson for the mayor’s office said that the city would not change its policy of “not proactively collaborat[ing] with ICE to provide information” and that the Providence Police Department would not act as immigration officers.

“Our policy is fully compliant with federal law and does not violate any federal regulations,” they added.

The full statement can be read below:

The city’s policy remains the same and will not change: Providence will not proactively collaborate with ICE to provide information. [Mayor Brett] Smiley has affirmed that the Providence Police Department will not, and should not, be immigration officers. Providence remains committed to being a safe and welcoming city for all neighbors of all immigration status. Mayor Smiley’s priority remains in keeping our community safe for all.

Our policy is fully compliant with federal law and does not violate any federal regulations.