NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Congressional Republicans are looking into Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s handling of the federal operation that led to the arrest of hundreds of immigrants during traffic stops in early May.
Rep. Andy Ogles is set to challenge O’Connell, representing Republicans in a predominantly Democratic city as he takes issue with the progressive mayor’s criticism of immigration officers following the arrests of nearly 200 individuals in the Greater Nashville area.
The presence of immigration and customs enforcement agents unsettled neighborhoods known for their diversity. In contrast, many Republicans commended ICE’s actions for targeting illicit activities in the city.
Republican officials have reproached Nashville leaders for publicizing interactions between local authorities and federal immigration agents on the city’s official website. Some entries listed the names of involved officers, prompting city officials to later remove them. They also criticized O’Connell for promoting fundraising efforts for families affected by ICE activities.
O’Connell argues that the arrests have inflicted long-lasting trauma on families and were executed by individuals who do not align with Nashville’s principles of safety and community.
Let’s examine the ICE actions and their repercussions.
Arrests
ICE reported that 196 individuals were arrested in cooperation with the Tennessee Highway Patrol during a week of operations in and around Nashville. According to ICE, 95 of those arrested had criminal convictions or faced charges, although no further specifics about the crimes were disclosed. Approximately 30 individuals were found to have re-entered the U.S. after previous deportations, some of whom are included in the 95.
The Highway Patrol noted over 580 traffic stops conducted in partnership with ICE. ICE emphasized seven cases linked to two gang members, including one facing a murder charge in El Salvador.
Lisa Sherman Luna from the Tennessee Immigration and Refugee Rights Union condemned the operation as unprecedented in scale, stating that officers are apprehending children heading home and workers on their way to jobs.
Mayor’s Response
In the initial days of ICE’s activities in Nashville, the mayor convened a press conference to clarify that local police were not involved in the immigration crackdown.
He expressed that the approach taken by immigration enforcement does not reflect Nashville’s identity.
During a press conference, the Central Tennessee Community Foundation announced a fundraising initiative aimed at providing childcare, transportation, housing assistance, food, and other resources for families impacted by ICE’s actions.
The O’Connell administration has sent a request to the Tennessee Highway Patrol and ICE for the identities of those arrested and the charges they face. He informed the Nashville Rotary Club this week that he has yet to receive that information.
Given policies requiring city agencies to report their communications with federal immigration authorities to the mayor’s office, O’Connell is under heightened scrutiny. Similar directives were in place under the two previous mayors, with O’Connell implementing a more stringent reporting deadline last month, emphasizing the goal of transparency.
Republican Scrutiny of O’Connell
Rep. Ogles announced that a House committee would investigate O’Connell at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, amidst noise from protesters gathered outside the building.
Letters signed by Ogles and chairs of three additional House committees are demanding documents and correspondence related to O’Connell’s executive order and ICE enforcement efforts. Ogles and others allege that the identities of immigrant staff from Operation Nashville have been made public. The names of agents have been retracted, with O’Connell stating it was not the intent of the executive order to disclose such information.
O’Connell contends that Nashville is not obstructing federal or state laws and sees no cause for alarm regarding the legislature’s inquiry.
Ogles first won his seat in 2022, as Republicans flipped Nashville, reversing a previously Democratic district.
Former Trump immigration officer Tom Homan commented on Fox News last week that agents are currently “filling the zone” in Nashville due to O’Connell’s response.
Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn is urging the U.S. Department of Justice to look into O’Connell’s actions.
Last week, the Trump administration included Nashville on its controversial list of sanctuary jurisdictions, which has since been taken down. O’Connell expressed confusion over the city’s inclusion, asserting that Nashville is not, by definition, a sanctuary city.
Strengthened Laws Against So-Called Sanctuary Policies
In 2019, sanctuary city laws became illegal in Tennessee, threatening non-compliant governments with losses in federal funding for economic development. However, Tennessee economic officials stated they have not been notified of any warnings, rejections, or funding withholdings thus far under this law.
Earlier this year, lawmakers and Republican Governor Bill Lee approved legislation supporting the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agenda. It imposes potential Class E felony charges against local elected officials who vote for or adopt such policies, including those restricting local government actions that impede ICE’s efforts to detain immigrants.
Critics argue that the penalties (effective July 1) may be unconstitutional given protections afforded at various governmental levels.
The law also established a new state immigration unit but kept its records exempt from public disclosure.
Source: apnews.com