The Providence Police Department violated several city ordinances and departmental policies during a July incident involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, the Providence External Review Authority determined last month.
PERA, a civilian oversight body appointed by the City Council and mayor that investigates allegations of police misconduct, found that officers violated the Providence Community-Police Relations Act and a PPD policy, both of which prohibit PPD officers from supporting or assisting in federal civil immigration enforcement efforts. PERA found that PPD also violated a policy mandating the use of body-worn cameras in nearly all interactions with the public.
The investigation centered on a July 13 incident where PPD officers responded to reports of a vehicle collision caused by an ICE agent in pursuit of Ivan Mendoza Meza. According to ICE, Mendoza Meza is an alleged fentanyl trafficker and MS-13 gang member who immigrated illegally from Honduras…