Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) will introduce a resolution at tonight’s City Council meeting requesting that Governor Gina Raimondo pass an executive order to suspend immigration enforcement at COVID-19 testing and treatment sites.

“There are many residents in Providence and around the State that are afraid to go get tested for COVID-19 due to their immigration status,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal. “In the face of a global pandemic, we should ensure that every person, regardless of their immigration status, be able to access testing and treatment without fear of being arrested by a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. Through the Governor’s power of an executive order, she can help ensure the safety of our immigrant population, and give those residents the confidence and security they need to seek testing or treatment. This community is at greater risk of communal spread because of fear and lack of understanding. We must do all we can to protect every resident of our great State regardless of their nation of origin or their immigration status.”

Testing for COVID-19 is critical in stopping the spread of the virus as it assists healthcare professionals in quarantining positive cases and contact tracing to identify other individuals who may have been exposed. The fear of immigration enforcement has a chilling effect on the immigrant community coming forward to be tested, thereby increasing the likelihood of positive cases remaining undetected and spreading the virus further than it otherwise would.

Councilman Espinal and the members of the Providence City Council is urging Governor Raimondo to pass an executive order preventing any immigration enforcement activities in and around COVID-19 testing sites, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities. By doing so will give residents that knowledge that they are safe in coming forward for the testing that is foundational to protecting the public health of all Rhode Islanders.