RI Legislator Calling for “End to State Law Enforcement’s Use of Unmarked Vehicles”

RI Legislator Calling for “End to State Law Enforcement’s Use of Unmarked Vehicles”

A state legislator in Rhode Island is calling for the use of unmarked vehicles by state law enforcement to end, saying it creates a "chilling effect" in communities. 

State Representative David Morales (District 7 – Providence) is holding a press conference on Friday to announce the filing of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking public records related to ICE activities in Rhode Island. 

Morales said he will also urge Governor Dan McKee to "take immediate action to end the use of unmarked vehicles by state law enforcement."

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

According to Morales, the press conference "follows growing concern from community members, especially among immigrant and mixed-status families, over recent incidents involving unmarked vehicles and armed officers in residential neighborhoods, including a disturbing presence near Nathanael Greene Middle School earlier this week."

"These tactics have created confusion, fear, and a chilling effect in communities already feeling targeted by federal immigration enforcement," according to his release.