RHODE ISLAND — New legislation in Rhode Island introduced by state lawmakers would prohibit state and local law enforcement from hiring any applicant who was previously employed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, specifically those who swore in on or after Jan. 20, 2025 — the day President Trump took office.
The measure titled the — “ICE Out Act” — is designated House Bill 7429 which seeks to revamp Rhode Island’s Law Enforcement Officers’ Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act by adding in hiring restrictions that favor personal ideology. After being introduced on Jan. 30, 2026 it received a public heading before the House Judiciary Committee on Mar. 4, 2026.
In the introduced legislation, a subsection specifies that the prohibition is extremely particular about the date that restricts experienced candidates seeking to transition from federal to state or country law enforcement. Additionally, it discriminates against Rhode Island residents who are seeking a local career change while continuing their public service.
“A law enforcement agency, as defined by § 42-164-2, shall not employ any individual who was hired as a sworn officer of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency on or after January 20, 2025.”, is added in a new section to the General Laws — a clear shot at President Trump. The act would be set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Multiple representatives introduced the legislation, including Reps. Karen Alzate, David Stewart, Jose Batista, Teresa Tanzi, Kathleen Fogarty, Rebecca Kislak, and Edith Ajello put forth the preferential hiring restrictions in attempts to codify the proposed legislature.
During the House Judiciary Committee hearing that was broadcast on Capitol TV Rhode Island, the bill was one of nearly 15 immigration-related measures, which must be a considerable priority in the same state that was the center of Operation Plunder Dome in 1999.
With plenty of time during the weekday, activism groups in Rhode Island continue their efforts to “Melt ICE”, similar to Maine’s elderly feminist population. This combined behavior follows regional patterns in northeastern political leadership which forms an informal blue-state alliance against anything President Trump does.
After the hearing, H7439 was recommended to be tabled for further study. If put in effect, the ICE Out Act would be the latest targeted restriction of federal law enforcement as blue states continue their legislative efforts in fear of losing votes.
