PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- As the Trump administration issues new executive orders, Mayor Brett Smiley maintains that Providence police officers won't act as immigration agents. "We want our community to feel protected by and safe talking to our local police officers," Smiley told Target 12. An internal police policy prohibits Providence officers from asking about someone’s immigration status and from holding a subject “based exclusively” on an administrative detainer. Police also can't arrest individuals unless immigration officers provide a criminal warrant signed by a judge. At the same time, Smiley said police won't stand in the way of immigration officers trying to deport known, violent criminals. "I don't think any of us want violent criminals in our country, documented or undocumented," the mayor added. Smiley said the details of new immigration enforcement guidance or executive orders under President Donald Trump will still have to be evaluated by city lawyers. "I'll wait and see exactly what those details are. We'll take it a step at a time," the mayor said. According to a memo obtained by the Associated Press on Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department is directing federal prosecutors to investigate potential criminal charges, including conspiracy, against any state or local officials that impede or obstruct immigration efforts. "If there is independent federal action that happens in Providence or anywhere else, we're not building a wall around our city, and we can't," said Smiley. "But I know that city officials, city police, will not be part of it." RELATED: Providence councilor wants to limit how much police cooperate with ICE agents Separately, Smiley said city lawyers are still reviewing a proposed ordinance related to immigration enforcement, and how, or if it differs from existing policy. The ordinance was proposed by Councilor Justin Roias just days before Trump's inauguration. The new proposal by Roias would ensure that police are not “proactively” providing federal immigration authorities with a list of arrestees or inmates, in addition to any information about the time of their release. Plus, police would not be able to share personal data like state-issued IDs, licenses, names, addresses, dates of birth, fingerprints or biometric information with the feds. The proposed changes would also block federal authorities without a signed warrant in hand from city buildings, schools, places of worship, health facilities and courts. “Undocumented people are my constituents as much as any other. They are our neighbors and friends, our classmates and our colleagues. When we protect our neighbors, we strengthen our city,” Roias said. “Safety isn’t built on fear. It’s built on trust and community, and that’s what this ordinance protects.” The ordinance was introduced at a Jan. 9 meeting of the Providence City Council and referred to the Committee on Ordinances for further review. Alexandra Leslie ([email protected]) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.