One telling exchange came following a question on whether the candidates supported proposed state legislation that would allow undocumented residents who graduate from local high schools to qualify for an in-state tuition rate at state-run colleges and universities.

Scott, the 43-year-old head of a public relations and communications firm, said he supported the idea as long as it applied only to American-born children of undocumented residents.

Then, using the opportunity to expand on his views on immigration in general, he said that Providence has gained the reputation for being a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants because the current administration has chosen not to enforce the nation’s immigration laws.

“Under my administration, the city will enforce the laws of the United States,” said Scott, who has run twice for Congress as a Republican. “This does not mean that we will be deputizing people as [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] agents, but the Providence Police Department will cooperate with national and state law-enforcement agencies.”

Taveras, a 40-year-old Dominican-American lawyer who rode a wave of minority community support on his way to earning his party’s nomination in September, said he agreed with proposed legislation for in-state tuition, calling it “common sense.”

But he disagreed emphatically with Scott on his immigration views.

Stating he does not advocate a “sanctuary city,” Taveras said he supported comprehensive national immigration reform and believed that city police officers should not be responsible for enforcing immigration laws.

“I’m not going to have anyone in our city afraid to report a crime because they are worried about being questioned about immigration. Not going to happen while I am mayor.”