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SB 2967

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LIMITATIONS ON IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 5 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would bar local agencies from 287(g) programs, end detainer-based holds, require transparency, and limit cooperation to non-immigration criminal matters or valid warra

05/05/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2967

Summary of SB 2967 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Limitations on Immigration Enforcement Cooperation

Purpose and intent

SB 2967 seeks to limit Rhode Island state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The bill aims to restrict participation in federal immigration programs, curtail the use of detainers and administrative warrants tied to immigration status, and require greater transparency around requests from federal immigration authorities. The overall goal is to keep state and local resources focused on criminal investigation and public safety without enabling civil immigration offenses.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Chapter 169, 42-169-1): Establishes terms for the chapter, including “federal immigration authority,” “immigration detainer,” “287(g) agreement” (federal authorization under 8 U.S.C. § 1357(g)), and “law enforcement agency” (Rhode Island state/local agencies and correctional facilities).

  • Prohibition on 287(g) agreements (42-169-2): Bars state or local law enforcement from entering into, renewing, or participating in 287(g) agreements or any substantially similar arrangement that delegates immigration enforcement powers to state or local officers. This effectively prevents Rhode Island agencies from deputizing local officers to enforce civil immigration laws on behalf of the federal government.

  • Detainers and administrative warrants (42-169-3): Prohibits arrests or detentions of individuals solely on the basis of an immigration detainer or administrative warrant. This means detainer-based holds cannot, by themselves, justify prolonged detention in Rhode Island facilities.

  • Use of resources (42-169-4): Prohibits use of state or local funds, personnel, property, or equipment to investigate, interrogate, or detain a person solely for civil immigration enforcement purposes.

  • Exceptions (42-169-5): Allows cooperation in criminal investigations unrelated to immigration status and compliance with valid judicial warrants or orders. Routine criminal justice processes and non-immigration-related law enforcement activities remain permissible.

  • Records and transparency (42-169-6): Requires law enforcement agencies to document any federal immigration authority request and publish annual statistics on the number and type of requests received. This provides public reporting and accountability regarding encounters with federal immigration authorities.

Who and what is affected

  • Affected entities: Rhode Island state and municipal law enforcement agencies, as well as correctional facilities, which would be constrained from participating in federal immigration enforcement programs and detainer-based holds.
  • Individuals: Immigrants and other individuals within Rhode Island could be less likely to be detained solely on immigration status, and detainers would no longer justify detentions without independent judicial warrants.
  • Public accountability: Agencies would need to maintain and publish data on federal immigration requests.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Status and hearings: Introduced March 4, 2026; referred to the Senate Judiciary. A hearing/consideration was scheduled for May 5, 2026.
  • Enforcement posture: If enacted, the provisions would immediately impact existing and future interactions with federal immigration authorities, including the discontinuation of 287(g)-type arrangements and changes to detention practices.

Bottom line

SB 2967 codifies Rhode Island’s approach to immigration enforcement by restricting local participation in federal immigration programs, limiting detainer-based holds, mandating transparency, and preserving cooperation only in non-immigration criminal matters or under valid warrants. The measure emphasizes safeguarding civil liberties while maintaining public safety through non-immigration criminal justice processes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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