Investigation Launched Into Nashville Mayor’s Actions on Immigration Enforcement
Republicans from both the House Homeland Security Committee and the House Judiciary Committee are investigating Nashville’s Mayor Freddie O’Connell (D) over claims that he has obstructed the efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents regarding the arrest of undocumented individuals.
In a letter to O’Connell, signed by Representatives Jim Jordan (R-OH), Mark Green (R-TN), Tom McClintock (R-CA), and Andy Ogles (R-TN), progressive Democrats are accused of implementing city policies intended to hinder ICE’s operations in Nashville.
This month, ICE reported a collaboration with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, resulting in the arrest of 196 criminal undocumented individuals. Instead of backing these law enforcement efforts aimed at safeguarding Tennessee residents, O’Connell’s office has denied the legitimacy of ICE’s actions. Furthermore, they announced a partnership with local activist organizations aimed at raising funds to support undocumented individuals, including those targeted by ICE’s enforcement actions.
The letter highlights an order given to municipal employees in Nashville and Davidson County, which suggests that they are “likely to engage in communications” with federal immigration authorities. Importantly, the revised Executive Order 030 directs employees within the “Metro Emergency Services Division,” including police, to report any communications with federal immigration officials “within one business day.” Additionally, non-enforcement personnel are instructed to notify the mayor’s office regarding discussions with federal immigration authorities relating to policy changes.
Lawmakers are requesting that O’Connell provide all documents and communications that reference Nashville’s ICE operations, focusing particularly on the circumstances surrounding the arrests of undocumented individuals.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has also urged Attorney General Pam Bondy to investigate whether O’Connell’s policies are obstructing ICE’s efforts to target undocumented criminals.
Notably, O’Connell’s office reportedly used the name of an ICE employee on its website while sharing communications between ICE and local law enforcement in Nashville.
Last week, former ICE Director Tom Homan stated that ICE agents are continuing to enforce federal immigration laws in Nashville and dismissed any interference from O’Connell.
Lawmakers have set a deadline for O’Connell to comply with their requests by June 13th.
