The decision came after a series of ICE raids in the area that led to more than 60 arrests and sparked strong public outrage.

Only two Republican council members voted against the measure; the other 17 Democrats and one Republican voted in favor.

Councilmember Joe Britton said the vote "sends a welcome message to our immigrant community" and emphasized that it does not lower the city’s police standards.

Mayor Roberto Alves, an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen in 2017, supported the change and stressed that every applicant must still meet the same rigorous training, background, fitness and professional standards required of any Danbury officer.

In 2020, Connecticut’s Police Officer Standards and Training Council partially waived the citizenship requirement, allowing lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients to apply for law‑enforcement positions across the state.

By expanding the recruitment pool without changing the qualifications, Danbury hopes to improve public safety and demonstrate that immigrant residents are valued members of the community.