Over the weekend, Tennessee state troopers, in cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), carried out coordinated actions in South Nashville, resulting in the detention of around 100 individuals for various federal immigration law violations and additional charges.
During about 150 traffic stops, officers reportedly encountered drivers lacking valid licenses. Some were found with illegal drugs, others possessed unlawful firearms, and some were identified as gang members. A significant number of these individuals were allegedly in the country without authorization.
The operation extended into the following week, with further stops occurring on Monday night and Tuesday morning, as reported by WSMV-TV.
ICE stated on Monday:
Our top priority is protecting the safety and security of our communities. As part of our ongoing efforts to enforce U.S. immigration laws, we focus on individuals who could pose risks to public safety or national security. These actions will help maintain community safety and ensure adherence to immigration laws.
Our officers are well-trained and carry out their responsibilities with diligence, respect, and integrity. We are committed to strategic enforcement that prioritizes public well-being and fosters trust within the communities we serve. ICE will continue its collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to enhance community safety and uphold the law.
Many activists have criticized the joint efforts of state and federal agencies.
“They stopped them, merely asking for paperwork, and if someone had nothing, they were taken,” stated Giselle Fuerta, an advocate for immigration rights, according to WZTV in Nashville. “They were curious about how they arrived here.”
Nashville’s Democrat Mayor, Freddie O’Connell, accused ICE of “fearing” the community and “inflicting harm on deep-rooted neighborhoods.”
“The trauma my family has endured is profound, and I am striving to protect Nashville residents within the boundaries of the law,” O’Connell told reporters. “It’s clear that those who don’t share our safety and community values can cause significant damage.”
