The Providence City Council on Oct. 16 passed a group of resolutions (items 8–11) that included a call for safe, accessible court proceedings, a formal land acknowledgement and a recognition of local dentist Eric J. Ritchie.

Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez, speaking in support of the package, singled out item 9 — a resolution urging municipal courts to offer virtual proceedings — as a local response to recent detentions outside courthouse facilities. “Item 9 is, resolution ensuring safe and accessible court court proceedings... we had, a ordinance, committee hearing, public hearing... dozens and dozens of people came and testified on a specific ordinance that is later on the agenda,” Sanchez said. He described ICE detentions that have occurred outside district court and urged the municipal court to offer virtual hearings for people who wish to use them.

Sanchez said the change would not require extensive investment and cited pandemic-era precedent for virtual court operations. “This isn't something that requires, a lot of technology, a lot of investment... that's how courts proceeded to to work through, those, challenges is to offer virtual hearings,” he said, adding that the council should “lead by directing our municipal court to offer virtual hearings if, constituents wish, while at the same time, asking and urging the state to do so.”

President Pro Tempore Rolando Pichardo and other council members framed the resolution as consistent with Providence’s identity as an immigrant city and emphasized the harm families can face when detentions occur outside court buildings. Pichardo said the council must “take local action” while continuing to press for federal immigration reform.

The package also included item 10, a resolution that the council read into the record acknowledging that Providence stands on the traditional homelands of the Narragansett and related tribal nations and reaffirming a commitment to collaboration with indigenous communities. Item 11 formally recognized Eric J. Ritchie, D.M.D., for his dental practice and volunteer work in the Fifth Ward and for appointments to state advisory bodies.

The clerk read items 8 through 11 into the record and the council approved the group on a voice vote. The clerk noted the items as received and the council announced, “The motion passes.”

Why it matters: Supporters said the court-proceedings resolution is intended to reduce instances in which residents attending court are exposed to immigration enforcement actions, and to protect access to justice for people who might otherwise avoid court. The land acknowledgement affirms the council’s public recognition of indigenous nations connected to the region. The recognition of Dr. Ritchie is ceremonial and expresses the council’s gratitude for his service.

What the resolutions do not do: The municipal council does not have authority over state district and superior courts; sponsors urged state-level action as well. The court-proceedings resolution directs and urges municipal court practices and state leaders but does not impose a funding mandate on the municipal court.