Danbury Approves Measure Allowing Noncitizens to Join Police Force Despite Council Member's Pushback

In a major revision to its municipal hiring policies, the Danbury City Council has voted to amend its local ordinance to permit lawful permanent residents and recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to apply to become city police officers. The measure was passed by an overwhelming 18-2 margin, formally expanding the applicant pool for municipal law enforcement positions in the Connecticut city.

The local decision aligns Danbury's municipal recruitment regulations with statewide standards established across Connecticut. However, despite receiving broad backing from the majority of city lawmakers and administrative officials, the policy change has sparked sharp debate concerning the legal qualifications and standards required of individuals entrusted with local police authority.

Leading the opposition to the revised ordinance is Republican Council member Candace Fay, who cast one of the two dissenting votes. Following the council's legislative action, Fay voiced strong objections during a national appearance on "Fox & Friends First," arguing that the amendment fails to address any pressing community need and risks creating further division within the city.

Speaking with co-host Todd Piro, Fay contended that the hiring change was not designed to enhance public safety or reassure local residents. Instead, she characterized the council's action as a symbolic political maneuver, asserting that the policy shift was driven by ideological messaging rather than sound public policy.

Fay disputed the notion that the city of Danbury is facing a police shortage that would necessitate opening recruitment to noncitizens. She argued that there was no overarching staffing demand or valid public policy justification prompting the council's action, reiterating that the decision functions primarily as a form of virtue signaling that lacks practical municipal necessity.

At the core of Fay's argument is the belief that United States citizenship should remain an essential, non-negotiable prerequisite for anyone granted the authority to enforce laws. She emphasized that officers are endowed with significant legal powers, including the authority to make arrests and deploy physical force, and contended that such powers should be reserved exclusively for full citizens.

In defending her stance, Fay maintained that insisting on a citizenship requirement establishes an impartial, baseline standard for all prospective officers. She noted that requiring citizenship is not an unreasonable expectation, emphasizing that the rule applies equally without regard to an applicant's birthplace, ethnic background, or personal integrity.

In contrast, proponents of the amended ordinance maintained that the policy represents a fair and practical step toward removing unnecessary hurdles for dedicated residents who wish to protect their community. Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, a Democrat, publicly supported the council's vote, framing it as a measure that empowers capable residents who already live in the city.

According to comments reported by The Danbury News-Times, Mayor Alves stated that the primary objective of the vote was to eliminate an unnecessary obstacle for qualified individuals who call Danbury home. He argued that allowing lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients to apply enables the municipality to consider dedicated locals who are eager to serve their community.

Democratic Council member Joe Britton similarly defended the updated hiring policy, highlighting Danbury's diverse population. Britton noted that Danbury is an immigrant city and expressed his view that anyone who is lawfully residing in the community, dedicated to its well-being, and willing to take an oath to protect and serve should have the opportunity to pursue a career in local law enforcement.

The council's decision directly conforms Danbury's local hiring guidelines to the standards established by Connecticut's Police Officer Standards and Training Council. The state-level regulatory body governs police certification requirements across Connecticut and had previously updated its rules regarding noncitizen eligibility.

Under the state regulatory framework, the Police Officer Standards and Training Council first expanded applicant eligibility to include lawful permanent residents in 2020. The state agency subsequently broadened those guidelines in 2025 to allow individuals with protected status under the federal DACA initiative to pursue law enforcement certification.

While municipal representatives and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour did not provide comments prior to the televised discussion, city records show that Chief Ridenhour took part in an April committee discussion regarding the proposed changes. During those proceedings, the police chief acknowledged that recruiting qualified officers remains a challenge and emphasized the department's goal of attracting top talent.

The differing perspectives between administrative officials highlighting recruitment needs and critics arguing against expanding eligibility underscore the ongoing debate over the ordinance. While city leaders maintain the change widens the talent pool to include qualified residents, opponents continue to assert that citizenship must remain a foundational requirement for carrying out sworn police duties.