The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation supporting President Donald Trump’s deportation efforts. SB 6002 and HB 6001 create a division within the state’s Department of Safety (DOS) to enforce immigration laws.
The legislation allows the governor to appoint a Chief Immigration Enforcement Officer to work with the Trump administration in implementing immigration policies. A $5 million grant fund will also be established to train law enforcement officers.
Additionally, a Class E felony offense will be created to target local officials who maintain or vote for sanctuary city policies in violation of state law. The legislation also calls for differentiation in state-issued IDs for those who are U.S. citizens and those who are not.
On the House floor, House Majority Leader William Lamberth defended the anti-sanctuary city measure, saying, “Easiest crime in the world to avoid. Just don’t vote in favor of sanctuary cities.”
“From this day forward let it go forth, do not set up sanctuary cities in our state. We are not a sanctuary to illegal immigrants from across the world that try to come to this state,” he said.
“This week, in partnership with the General Assembly, Tennessee passed meaningful legislation to address three pressing issues that President Trump and Tennesseans overwhelmingly support – the Education Freedom Act, additional disaster relief for East Tennesseans, and measures to halt illegal immigration,” Governor Bill Lee (R) said of the legislative session. “I thank Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton, Leader Jack Johnson, Leader William Lamberth, and members of the General Assembly for acting swiftly to pass conservative policies that will guarantee opportunity, security, and freedom for the people of our state.”
The ACLU plans to challenge the immigration policies.
“This unprecedented, unconstitutional legislation will inflict unimaginable harm on people who have immigrated to Tennessee seeking freedom and a better life, and criminalize any local officials who vote in support of ‘sanctuary policies.’ Threatening officials with felony charges and criminal prosecution based solely on how they vote raises significant constitutional concerns,” ACLU-TN Legal Director Stella Yarbrough said. “This authoritarian legislation is incompatible with the bedrock American values of democracy and the rule of law, and we have no choice but to challenge it in court. Any elected official concerned with how this legislation will impact them should contact the ACLU of Tennessee.”
