FLOCK THIS: Stop the Surveillance Expansion in Tiverton

Tiverton Town Council is considering approval of four additional Flock ALPR cameras. This expansion raises serious privacy concerns without clear, measurable public safety benefits.

We have a short window to act. Help stop this approval from today through June 1st, then join us on June 8th during the budget approval process to voice your opposition in person.

You do not have to live in Tiverton to help. If you visit, shop, or dine in town, tell the council you may choose not to patronize local businesses if this surveillance system expands.

How You Can Help:

• Write to the Council (Today – June 1st): Use the provided templates to send a formal letter opposing the cameras right away.

• Attend the Meeting (June 8th): Show up during the budget approval process to speak out against funding this unnecessary expense.

Submit Your Letter:

• Letter to send from Tiverton Residents

• Letter to send from Neighboring Towns or those who frequent Tiverton. 

Instructions:

1. Update the letter with your Name and Address 

2. Make any adjustments that are personal to you [not required] 

3. Insert this into the subject line: Opposition to Expansion of Flock Cameras in Tiverton

4. Add the following addresses for distribution: jchabot@tiverton.ri.gov; jedwards@tiverton.ri.gov; dpaull@tiverton.ri.gov; mburk@tiverton.ri.gov; djanick@tiverton.ri.gov; dperry@tiverton.ri.gov; ccommitto@tiverton.ri.gov; ddemedeiros@tiverton.ri.gov 

5. Hit send

How to Stand Up For Immigrants In Rhode Island

On Monday, May 11, Indivisible SouthCoast NE sponsored a community and legislative gathering in Tiverton, Rhode Island with RI Senator Tiara Mack and RI Rep. Michelle McGaw The discussion focused on immigration enforcement, constitutional rights, and a proposed state legislative package intended to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement actions viewed as unconstitutional or abusive.

The speakers emphasized:

• Community organizing as a form of resistance

• Building solidarity across communities

• Pairing grassroots action with legislation

Immigration Enforcement Concerns

Much of the presentation focused on criticism of recent federal immigration enforcement actions.

The speakers argued that:

• Federal immigration raids are creating fear in immigrant communities

• Some enforcement tactics violate constitutional protections

• Immigration enforcement impacts not only large cities, but also small Rhode Island communities

Constitutional Rights Argument

A major focus was the claim that constitutional protections apply to everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status.

• First Amendment protections (free speech)

• Fourth Amendment protections (protection against unreasonable searches and seizures)

Specific claims included:

• ICE agents allegedly operating without proper warrants

• Concerns about racial profiling

• Assertions that undocumented presence is a civil violation, not a criminal offense

The speakers clarified that Rhode Island has authority to restrict state cooperation with unconstitutional federal practices.

Proposed Rhode Island Legislative Package

The legislative package discussed is aimed at:

• Restricting collaboration between Rhode Island law enforcement and federal immigration authorities

• Requiring proper judicial warrants

• Preventing masked or unidentified officers from operating freely

• Protecting constitutional rights during enforcement actions

The senator and representative argued these policies are necessary to keep Rhode Islanders safe.

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HERE IS YOUR ACTION PLAN

ALL RI MEMBERS

The RI Senate and House have heard all immigration protection bills this session. The RIBLIA Caucus package has all been held for further study and your advocacy is needed to bring these bills to the floor for a vote.

Take FOUR actions to stand up for immigrant communities and protect the rights of all in Rhode Island today. This package of bills protects all Rhode Islanders from federal overreach and constitutional rights violations. Lending your voice and advocacy to these important issues will go a long way and will help move these bills to the floor for a full vote this session. Learn more about the bills here.

What we need you to do weekly from now until July 4th (Full Court Press). 

Take the following actions

1) Send a letter to your senator

2) Send a letter to your representative

3) Copy and paste to send to Senate and House leadership, and the judiciary committee in both chambers

4) Post the 2026 RIBLIA Caucus Immigration Package on your social media

5) Show-up to the statehouse and meet/have a coffee date with your senator or rep Wednesday - Thursday, 5pm to 5pm (bring friends, wear the same color, wear pins)

6) Send a letter to all RI State Senators and Representatives

7) Call your and all RI State Senators and Representatives

A Campaign to Watch

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Louisiana v. Callais has shifted focus to statewide Senate races, which are immune to the gerrymandering that now hampers Southern House districts.

In Mississippi, Democrat Scott Colom is positioned as a viable challenger to incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith, drawing on recent momentum from the 2023 gubernatorial race and his own history of winning in majority-white districts. His platform centers on local crises, such as the collapse of rural healthcare and the rising cost of living, while painting Hyde-Smith as a politician beholden to donors rather than residents.

Strategists argue that Mississippi represents a high-value opportunity because campaign funds go much further in its smaller, less expensive media markets compared to larger battleground states.

READ MORE on The Grassroots Connector