A group of mayors and some of the police chiefs of 22 New England cities met in Providence Wednesday to discuss issues affecting the region. The mayors tried to present a unified message about policies on immigration amid uncertainty about the Trump administration.
When asked whether their cities have policies similar to Providence, where an ordinance prevents local law enforcement from working with federal immigration authorities who do not possess a judicial warrant, all 22 mayors raised their hands.
“We won’t ask for your papers,” said Mayor Mark Dion of Portland, Maine. “Just that phrase alone draws concern.”
However, the mayors also underscored a need to comply with federal laws.
“We don’t hinder or obstruct federal authorities from carrying out their duties,” Dion said.
The mayors also shared concerns that the federal government could withhold funds if municipal leaders are too outspoken about federal immigration policies.
“What we need – part of it – is to continue a strong partnership with the federal government on funding,” said Mayor Joe Ganim of Bridgeport, CT.
The mayors also expressed concerns about the future of city initiatives related to sustainability and homelessness should federal funding be cut. According to the World Bank, cities across the globe are responsible for 70% of global emissions. Mayor Caroline Simmons of Stamford, Conn., said her city has made strides towards reducing some of these emissions during her term so far.
“But with that said, if, in fact, the Inflation Reduction Act funding and a lot of the tax credits for things like green energy get cut, it will be devastating to a lot of these programs,” she said.
The mayors came from every New England state except for New Hampshire. Mayors Dion, Ganim, Simmons, and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley were joined by counterparts from Brockton, Mass.; Burlington, Vermont; Central Falls; Cranston; East Providence; Everett, Mass.; Fitchburg, Mass.; Hartford, Conn., New Bedford; New Haven; North Providence; Pawtucket;; Revere, Mass.; Salem, Mass.; Shelton, Conn.; Somerville, Mass.;; Woonsocket; and West Springfield, Mass.
