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3/4/2026
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RIBLIA Caucus immigration priorities to be heard by House Judiciary Committee
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STATE HOUSE – The Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA) is calling attention to several of their legislative priorities relating to immigration being heard in the House Judiciary Committee today.
“The immigrant community in Rhode Island is living with constant stress, anxiety and fear due to the heartless, cruel, and sometimes illegal, actions of the federal government. The RIBLIA Caucus is focused on and dedicated to supporting and protecting our immigrant friends, neighbors and relatives, and these bills represent our commitment to fairness, equity, and the recognition that our state’s diversity is a strength and not a weakness,” said Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence), who is the co-chair of the RIBLIA Caucus.
The RIBLIA Caucus priorities being heard are:
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2026-H 7198, sponsored by Rep. Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket), clarifies the legal definitions of misdemeanors and felonies, and defines a “year” as 364 days to close a federal immigration loophole that can trigger deportation for minor offenses. Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) has introduced the bill (2026-S 2047) in the Senate.
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2026-H 7202, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Dist. 16, Cranston), establishes a state-level civil cause of action that allows individuals to seek damages and legal relief when federal officials, acting under color of federal law, violate rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston) has introduced the bill (2026-S 2605) in the Senate.
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2026-H 7211, sponsored by Representative Felix, requires law enforcement officers to display clearly visible identification during public interactions and limits the use of face coverings except in specific safety-related circumstances. Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence) has introduced the bill (2026-S 2608) in the Senate.
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2026-H 7360, sponsored by Rep. Jose F. Batista (D-Dist. 12, Providence), prohibits civil arrests at Rhode Island courthouses without a valid judicial warrant, ensuring residents can attend hearings, testify, or seek protection orders without fear of immigration or civil enforcement actions. Senator Kallman has introduced the bill (2026-S 2045) in the Senate.
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2026-H 7689, sponsored by Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston), removes the five-year waiting period so lawful permanent residents can access RI Works benefits, allowing legally present families to receive critical support without unnecessary delay. Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) will introduce the bill in the Senate.
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2026-H 8140, sponsored by Rep. Jenni A. Furtado (D-Dist. 64, East Providence, Pawtucket), prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE, ensuring that local police resources remain focused on community safety rather than federal immigration enforcement. Senator Mack will introduce the bill in the Senate.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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