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Council and legislators discuss immigration enforcement, school safety and local police policies
Summary
Officials discussed local police policy on immigration enforcement, school entries and whether ICE participation in school incidents is expected; town police policy was described as notifying federal authorities only when a crime has occurred or a warrant exists.
Narragansett town officials and state legislators discussed immigration enforcement, school safety and the town police department's approach to interactions with federal immigration authorities during the Feb. 3 session.
A council member asked what the town police policy would be "if they send ICE down here," and a local official described the department's existing approach: the police do not proactively enforce federal immigration law and will not notify ICE if they encounter an undocumented person who has not committed a crime. The department notifies federal authorities when a person is the subject of a crime investigation, a warrant or a federal detainer.
Why it matters: Parents and school staff raised concerns about whether ICE would be allowed into schools and how children and families might be affected. The council asked whether the state could issue guidance or a blanket policy to protect students.
Discussion details: Legislators stressed the limits of state authority: federal law supersedes state law and a statewide statutory protection would have limited effect if federal authorities assert ingress. The attorney general's guidance was cited in the meeting as stating that school entry by federal agents generally requires a search warrant tied to criminal activity.
Community outreach: The delegation and councilors noted the value of disseminating accurate information to school staff and families. The ACLU and the attorney general's materials were referenced as sources that explain when schools and employees are obligated to cooperate with federal requests and when they are not.
Ending: Officials recommended that the council consult with the police chief to confirm departmental policy and to share vetted guidance from the attorney general and civil-rights groups with schools and families.
