How to Stand Up For Immigrants In Rhode Island
- May 12
- 2 min read
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
3) Copy and paste to send to Senate and House leadership, and the judiciary committee in both chambers
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
