Statement from Chairman Joe Powers on McKee's Anti-Law Enforcement Threats and Rhode Island's Shameful Sanctuary Status

WARWICK, RI - Governor Dan McKee didn’t wait for the Trump administration to call out Rhode Island. Months ago, he made it crystal clear where he stood - and it wasn’t with the people of this state.

McKee publicly threatened Rhode Island State Police, declaring that any officer who worked with federal immigration officials should “turn in their gun and badge.” That’s not leadership, that’s cowardice and lawlessness. That’s a governor telling our brave law enforcement: If you uphold federal law, you’re not welcome here.

And now, just as predictably as sunrise, Rhode Island has officially made the list - branded by President Trump’s administration as a sanctuary state, with Providence and Central Falls right there beside it. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s the result of deliberate, reckless choices by an administration that puts illegal immigrants ahead of law-abiding Rhode Islanders.

Let’s be clear, this isn’t compassion, it’s capitulation. McKee is harboring those who break federal law while turning his back on those who enforce it. In McKee’s Rhode Island, criminals get cover, and cops get threats.

President Trump is standing up to this nonsense. He’s fighting for secure borders, safe neighborhoods, and law enforcement officers who actually get to do their job without political intimidation. And we’re proud to stand with him.

The Rhode Island Republican Party will not stay silent while McKee continues to turn our state into a safe haven for lawbreakers and a nightmare for taxpayers. Our communities deserve safety. Our police deserve respect. And our citizens deserve a government that puts them first.

To every Rhode Islander who feels abandoned, betrayed, or just plain fed up, know this, you’re not alone. But, it is up to you to take action, to take control and take back Rhode Island.

There is a better path. And we are going to take it. This is our home. We’re taking it back.