The Danbury City Council voted 18-2 to approve a policy allowing non-citizen legal residents and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to serve as police officers in the city. The decision follows a week of ICE raids in Danbury, Connecticut, which resulted in more than 60 arrests, according to local reports.
The vote, held on [date not specified in sources], was nearly unanimous, with 17 Democrats and one Republican supporting the measure. The two opposing votes came from Republican council members. Council member Joe Britton (Democrat) stated the policy "sends a message to our immigrant community at large that you are welcome in Danbury."
Britton emphasized that the change is legal and allowed, noting it does not lower standards for police officers. He added that Danbury is "an immigrant city" and those who are lawfully present, committed to the community, and willing to take an oath to protect and serve should have the opportunity to do so. The policy applies to lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients who meet all other qualifications for the role.
Background and Reactions
The ICE raids in Danbury sparked public outrage, with local officials condemning the operations. Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, Governor Ned Lamont, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, and Senator Chris Murphy joined a protest at Kennedy Park on August 26, 2026, to oppose the agency’s actions. Murphy stated that everyone in the country has constitutional rights, regardless of immigration status, and encouraged activists to record officers from a safe distance.
Community organizer Juliana Soares, lead organizer for Danbury Unites for Immigrants, described the raids as "terrorizing our city," citing reports of ICE agents arresting parents at school bus stops and using intimidation tactics, such as shutting down streets and conducting operations in public spaces like grocery store parking lots. Soares stated that the raids created an atmosphere of fear, with children staying home from school and activities.
Policy Details and Legal Context
The new policy does not alter existing hiring standards for police officers in Danbury. Instead, it expands eligibility to include legal residents and DACA recipients who meet all other requirements. Britton clarified that the change is "timely" given the recent ICE operations and framed it as an opportunity to reinforce inclusivity.
The 18-2 vote reflects a broader political divide, with Democrats largely supporting the measure and Republicans opposing it. The two dissenting council members were the only Republicans on the panel. No further details about their reasoning were provided in the available sources.
Community and Political Responses
Supporters of the policy argue it strengthens community trust by allowing immigrants who are lawfully present and committed to Danbury to serve as police officers. Critics, as represented by the two opposing council members, did not provide specific objections in the available reporting but opposed the measure on principle.
Local activists and immigrant rights groups have praised the decision, viewing it as a step toward protecting immigrant communities from federal enforcement actions. Meanwhile, federal immigration enforcement agencies have not publicly commented on the policy change.
The policy takes effect immediately, though the timeline for implementation and potential impact on police recruitment remains unclear.