Fifteen minutes later, the protesters filed outside, with Capitol police showing them the way. Speeches followed on the State House steps.
Palumbo's bill mirrors the stringent SB 1070 Arizona bill that Gov. Jan Brewer signed into law last month that makes it a state crime not to carry immigration documents; and gives police broader authority to question people "where reasonable suspicion exists" that they are in the country illegally.
The new Arizona law -- considered the toughest immigration legislation in the country -- set off demonstrations in Arizona and elsewhere, and prompted class-action constitutional challenges and boycotts against Arizona businesses, conventions and tourism.
Meanwhile, several national polls have registered increasing public support for the Arizona law.
Palumbo, D-Cranston, said Wednesday that he is "fed up" and that "we are all under attack" by illegal immigrants. The bill, H 8142, was introduced on Tuesday and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. A hearing is expected next week.