McKee Says He Stands With Rhode Island Immigrants Lacking Legal Status

RI police will continue to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on criminal matters, the governor said

Gov. McKee during a Statehouse news conference earlier this month.
Gov. McKee during a Statehouse news conference earlier this month.
Ian Donnis / The Public’s Radio
Share
Gov. McKee during a Statehouse news conference earlier this month.
Gov. McKee during a Statehouse news conference earlier this month.
Ian Donnis / The Public’s Radio
McKee Says He Stands With Rhode Island Immigrants Lacking Legal Status
Copy

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said he will stand with Rhode Island residents here without legal status, even as they face heightened immigration enforcement by the Trump administration.

State police, however, will continue to work with federal law enforcement officials on criminal matters.

“We’re going to continue what we’re doing. If there [are] people who are violating or criminals that need to be (arrested), we work with (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) — our State Police does that right now,” McKee said. “But we’re not going to be profiling or helping to, you know, create problems that violate the Constitution and we’re going to make sure we stand by the people that live in the state.”

The governor spoke at The Public’s Radio studio Thursday during a taping of Political Roundtable.

The Trump administration has signaled it may investigate and prosecute local and state officials who do not enforce its approach to policing immigration.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

The omnipresence of the Washington Bridge, for better or worse
Whether you’re here for the beach, the World Cup or just a proper summer food crawl, add these Rhode Island staples to your Ocean State itinerary
Whether you’re looking for gentle waves, big surf, a day trip or even local bragging rights, here are the Rhode Island beaches our staff keep coming back to
Ocean State Media’s statewide listening tour stopped in Warwick where students, teens and residents talk about journalism, civic life and issues shaping their community
The beloved Jewelry District bar is celebrating three decades with a weekend festival featuring more than two dozen local bands
As the Red Sox struggle and the Patriots stir drama, World Cup matches and fan events offer Rhode Island and Massachusetts a welcome summer distraction