Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town officials clarify ICE-detainer practice after council questions; department says detainers require probable cause
Summary
After council members raised questions about cooperation with federal immigration authorities, the town manager, solicitor and police chiefs clarified that Westerly PD may assist federal agencies, that ICE detainers are administrative (not judicial) and must be supported by probable cause, and that detention time is limited by constitutional and state rules.
Councilors asked town staff on July 21 whether the police department cooperates with federal immigration authorities and, if so, under what conditions. Town Manager Lacy, Town Solicitor Bill Connley and police leaders briefed the council and confirmed current practice, limits and legal context.
The department and solicitor said: local law enforcement may assist federal agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); ICE detainers are administrative requests and not judicial warrants; following court precedents and internal policy, a detainer must be supported by probable cause before the department will hold a person for federal agents; and the department adheres to limits on detention time and due-process protections.
"All ICE detainers are required to be supported by probable cause," the town solicitor told the council and described existing policies that require supervisory confirmation and a limited holding period while federal authorities take custody. Police representatives said they follow accredited procedures and that cooperation is discretionary, not mandated by state law.
Council members said their aim was clarification and to ensure policies protect constitutional rights while allowing the department to do its public safety work. Several councilors apologized for any language that had been interpreted as critical of the department nd thanked police leadership for attending the meeting.
Sources: Town Manager, Town Solicitor and Wesley Police Department statements and policies discussed at the Wesley Town Council meeting, July 21, 2025.
