PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence Mayor Brett Smiley tried to channel the emotions of his fellow Democrats by reminding frustrated residents they’re “safe and welcome” in the city after Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 Presidential Election. “The outcome of this election isn’t what we wanted and we may be feeling powerless, but I want to take a moment to reassure the residents of Providence that we are not powerless,” Smiley said. “During the next few years under the Trump administration, there will be attempts to unravel our progress and I’m here to reassure Providence that we wont let that happen.” Over at Brown University, some students said they’re nervous for the future. “I think the whole discussion now is where do we go from here, and what does that mean for me as a woman in America?” student Feyza Achilova said. “Like, what am I going to even be able to do going forward?” Mayor Smiley’s overarching message was not to be complacent, and said local and state government is more important now than ever. “Over the next four years, we’re going to strive to be a model and an example for the rest of the country,” he said. “We’re going to show that inclusion and compassion can make us stronger, healthier, and wealthier. We’re going to look out for one and another, for our neighbors, for our immigrant communities, for the women of Providence, our faith communities, and for the rights and freedoms of every person in our city.” When asked about immigration in the city with another Trump presidency on the horizon, Smiley said Providence is “a place for everyone.” “We are proud of our immigrant community, regardless of their documentation status and our policy is going to remain the same, which we think is thoughtful and compassionate, which is if you are going about your business, you have no concern that Providence police or law enforcement, empowered by me at least, are going to be asking for paperwork or checking for immigration status,” he said. Categories: News, Providence, Rhode Island