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3/17/2026
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MEDIA ADVISORY: RIBLIA Caucus to hold press conference on immigration legislative priorities on Thursday
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STATE HOUSE — The Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus will announce its 2026 immigration legislative package tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, at 3 p.m. in Room 313 on the third floor of the State House.
The RIBLIA Caucus represents and advocates for the interests of people of color throughout the state of Rhode Island. Through legislative advocacy and community engagement, the RIBLIA Caucus is dedicated to building a more inclusive and representative government that reflects the diversity of Rhode Island residents.
Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence) and Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls) are the co-chairs of the caucus.
The RIBLIA Caucus will highlight the following bills:
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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.
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The Virtual Hearings Accessibility Act, to be sponsored by Senator Mack and Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence), will expand access to justice by allowing all Rhode Island courts to conduct hearings remotely and permitting parties and attorneys to appear by phone or video with the same legal effect as in-person proceedings, reducing barriers for working families, immigrants and residents facing transportation or scheduling challenges.
The press conference will be televised by Capitol Television, which can be seen on Cox channel 61, on i3Broadband channel 15 and on Verizon channel 34. It will be live streamed at capitoltvri.cablecast.tv.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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