Prohibits law enforcement agencies from hiring individuals who was hired as a sworn officer of the US Immigration and Customs enforcement Agency on or after January 20, 2025 and would apply prospectively to an individual hired on or after October 1, 2026.

Plain-English Summary

This bill, nicknamed the "ICE Out Act," would prevent Rhode Island law enforcement agencies — such as local police departments and other state law enforcement bodies — from hiring anyone who worked as a sworn (badge-carrying) officer for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) starting on or after January 20, 2025. In other words, if someone began their career as an ICE officer on or after that date, Rhode Island law enforcement agencies would be prohibited from bringing that person on as an employee.

The restriction would take effect going forward, specifically applying to any new law enforcement hires made on or after October 1, 2026. This means the bill is not retroactive — people already working for Rhode Island law enforcement agencies would not be affected. However, any future hiring decisions made after that October 2026 date would be subject to this rule.

The bill primarily affects two groups: individuals who have worked or are currently working as sworn ICE officers, and Rhode Island law enforcement agencies making hiring decisions. For former ICE officers hired after January 20, 2025, this bill would effectively close the door to employment with state and local law enforcement in Rhode Island. For agencies, it would add a new eligibility requirement they must check when reviewing job candidates.

Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study — meaning it has not yet advanced toward a vote.