The Tennessee General Assembly passed comprehensive legislation aimed at bolstering the state’s role in enforcing federal immigration laws, aligning with President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration.
Key Provisions of the Legislation:
- Establishment of a State Immigration Enforcement Division: The law creates the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division within the Tennessee Department of Safety. This division will be led by a chief immigration enforcement officer appointed by the governor, tasked with coordinating directly with federal authorities to implement immigration laws and ensure compliance among state and local officials.
- Penalties for Sanctuary Policies: The legislation introduces a Class E felony offense for any local official who votes to adopt sanctuary city policies, which are currently prohibited in Tennessee. Convicted officials would face removal from office.
- Enhanced Identification Requirements: State-issued identification will now be available only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Non-citizens with federal authorization to reside in the country temporarily will receive a distinctively marked temporary driver’s license.
Legislative Process and Support:
The bill was passed during a special session convened by Republican Governor Bill Lee, focusing on illegal immigration, hurricane relief, and school choice. It received substantial support, passing the House with a 72-22 vote and the Senate with a 26-7 vote.
Statements from State Leadership:
Governor Lee emphasized the state’s proactive stance, stating, “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.”
House Majority Leader William Lamberth reinforced the state’s position against sanctuary cities, declaring, “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.”
Anticipated Legal Challenges:
The American Civil Liberties Union has signaled plans to challenge the new law, citing potential constitutional concerns.
This legislative move positions Tennessee among a growing number of Republican-led states enacting measures to support federal immigration enforcement under the current administration.