Republicans are calling for an investigation after the far-left City Council of Providence, Rhode Island, sponsored the distribution of flyers that teach illegal immigrants how to avoid being arrested by ICE, spending thousands of dollars on the flyers, which reportedly advised individuals, “DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR” if confronted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
For context, on June 27, 2025, press accounts confirmed that the City Council of Providence, Rhode Island, has supported the distribution of “Know Your Rights” mailers to residents that instruct them on how to avoid being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, encouraging them to avoid opening their doors, answering questions, or signing any documents. Moreover, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller defended the decision in an official statement and said it was a response to the “reckless cruelty” of the Trump Administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
As reported by Fox News Digital, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller said, “The Providence City Council is partnering with organizations that represent our diverse community to promote safety and inclusion in the face of fear and uncertainty that pervades our city’s immigrant communities due to the reckless cruelty of the Trump administration.”
Continuing, Miller stood by the decision to sponsor the mailers, saying, “For nearly 400 years, immigrants have been and continue to be vital to Providence.” She added, “The Council stands together to say immigrants are welcome here and to encourage every member of our community to educate themselves about their constitutional rights and where to find help if they need it.”
However, according to Fox News Digital, the Rhode Island Republican Party has demanded an investigation into the council’s support of the subversive mailers, which the city reportedly spent $17,000 on. In a statement, the party said of the council, “They’re not just ignoring their oath, they’re mocking it.”
Continuing, the party’s statement said, “Every member of the Council swore to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the United States and Rhode Island. But instead of protecting legal residents and respecting their duty, they spent your money to help those who entered the country illegally figure out how to avoid accountability.”
In addition, the Rhode Island Republican Party Chair Jow Powers said that the City Council’s decision to sponsor the mailers was “political theater” and “government malpractice,” adding, “The Providence City Council used public funds to push propaganda that undermines federal law, all while gouging taxpayers.”
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However, Providence City Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo described Providence as “a city of immigrants” and added, “Nothing is more fundamental to the American experience than the right to live here peacefully and prosperously, regardless of country of origin or documentation status,” adding, “This mailer will help remind our residents of those rights and of the resources available to our immigrant communities.”
Featured image credit: Rachel Miller, Providence City Council via X