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3/19/2026
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RIBLIA Caucus unveils immigration legislative priorities
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STATE HOUSE — The Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus announced its 2026 immigration legislative package today at a press conference held at the State House.
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 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).
“As a proud first-generation American citizen, I find that the federal government’s current crusade against our country’s immigrants goes against everything the United States has stood for since its inception. We are a nation of immigrants and current federal policies denigrate all those who have helped shape and build our nation’s storied past. This legislative package establishes RIBLIA’s pledge to help and defend our state’s immigrant community, a community that contributes so much to our beloved state,” said Representative Alzate.
The RIBLIA Caucus highlighted the following bills:
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2026-H 7198, 2026-S 2047, sponsored by Rep. Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket) and Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, 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.
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2026-H 7202, 2026-S 2605, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Dist. 16, Cranston) and Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston), 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.
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2026-H 7211, 2026-S 2608, sponsored by Representative Felix and Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), 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.
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2026-H 7360, 2026-S 2045, sponsored by Rep. José F. Batista (D-Dist. 12, Providence) and Senator Kallman, 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.
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2026-H 7689, 2026-S 2828, sponsored by Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston) and Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield), 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.
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2026-H 8140, 2026-S 2967, sponsored by Rep. Jenni A. Furtado (D-Dist. 64, East Providence, Pawtucket) and Senator Mack, 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.
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2026-S 2966, sponsored by Senator Mack, 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. Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) will introduce the bill in the 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.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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