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6/15/2026
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RIBLIA Caucus highlights 2026 legislative accomplishments
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STATE HOUSE – The Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus is pleased to announce that its top three priorities within its 2026 immigration legislative package were passed by the General Assembly last week.
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 2026 legislative session was an opportunity to address many significant challenges that are affecting Rhode Island’s communities of color. Particularly, our state’s immigrant community is facing increased fear and anxiety due to the immoral conduct and policies emanating from our nation’s capital. These heartless actions run contrary to the values of our country and the RIBLIA Caucus vowed to use our legislative power to help and support our state’s immigrant community during these trying times. These three bills offer protection and support to our immigrant brothers and sisters who also call Rhode Island home,” said co-chairs Mack and Alzate.
The first bill (2026-H 7202, 2026-S 2605), sponsored by Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Dist. 16, Cranston) and Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III (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.
The second bill (2026-H 7198A, 2026-S 2047A), 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.
The last bill (2026-H 7360Aaa, 2026-S 2045Aaa), sponsored by Rep. José F. Batista (D-Dist. 12, Providence) and Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, 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.
“The caucus thanks our colleagues in the House and Senate for standing with us to protect our state’s culturally rich and diverse residents. Rhode Island was founded on the notion of independence from tyranny and the RIBLIA Caucus continued this American tradition by standing up and protecting the vulnerable and downtrodden from those that would tear our diverse state apart,” concluded Senator Mack and Representative Alzate.
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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