Statement from Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos on ICE Behavior at Garrahy Judicial Complex

Published on Friday, January 16, 2026

PROVIDENCE, RI – Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos today issued the following statement on news reports of armed ICE agents "barrelling" through security at the Garrahy Judicial Complex, including a bystander who reported fearing that they could be shot:

"The deep respect that I and all Rhode Islanders hold for our local law enforcement officers is rooted in their discipline, their commitment to order, and their intensive training. Allowing these barely-trained and reckless federal agents to blunder through our state, disrupting the justice system and harassing children and judges, diminishes the safety of our citizens and undermines the efforts of real law enforcement officers.

"I am glad that this incident appears to have ended without harm to anyone, but we have all seen how this behavior leads to tragedy. ICE needs to be reined in and subject to the same laws that govern us all."

Today's statement follows previous concerns by the Lieutenant Governor about ICE denying detainees due process and the above-referenced harassment of an intern at the Garrahy Judicial Complex, as well as efforts by the Lieutenant Governor to disseminate information about immigrants' civil rights in Rhode Island.

###