Overview
- The Danbury City Council voted 18-2 to allow lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients to apply for police officer jobs under the new ordinance.
- The change does not alter the department’s vetting process and applicants who are LPRs or DACA recipients must still pass background checks, physical and psychological exams, and drug testing.
- The ordinance explicitly excludes immigrants without legal status and implements eligibility already set by Connecticut’s Police Officer Standards and Training Council.
- Federal immigration raids in August that produced more than 65 arrests have heightened tensions and prompted the Department of Homeland Security to publicly criticize Danbury’s decision, citing arrests of people with serious convictions.
- Local officials including Mayor Roberto Alves and Council member Joe Britton defended the vote as lawful and aimed at improving community trust, while national coverage has split along partisan lines with DHS emphasizing public‑safety concerns.