NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As President Donald Trump’s second term begins, Tennesseans are bracing for the possible implementation of mass deportations, with state lawmakers preparing for a special legislative session to address the issue of illegal immigration.
Governor Bill Lee has expressed his support for the president’s immigration strategies, indicating his readiness to assist the Trump administration in any way necessary, including deploying the National Guard if requested. While the governor clarified earlier this month that he has not yet been asked to take action, he emphasized his commitment to working with other state leaders should the need arise.
“The president was elected on a platform promising specific actions, and the people supported him strongly,” Lee stated on January 8. “If that includes utilizing the National Guard at the president’s request, I’ll work together with governors across the country to do that.”
In response to these developments, Governor Lee called a special legislative session to address several critical issues, including school vouchers, Hurricane Helene relief, and illegal immigration. The session’s official agenda includes measures aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement, such as the creation of a centralized immigration enforcement entity, the establishment of an immigration enforcement fund, and the potential introduction of penalties for local governments that adopt sanctuary policies.
Lawmakers may also consider facilitating agreements with the federal government that would grant state and local law enforcement officers powers similar to those of federal immigration agents. While some Republican lawmakers, such as House Majority Leader Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland), do not anticipate significant changes from the previous administration, they are nonetheless preparing for possible enforcement actions. Lamberth noted that during Trump’s first term, immigration enforcement largely relied on cooperation between local authorities and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with deportations occurring when illegal immigrants were identified during routine arrests.
“We didn’t need the National Guard or anything like that,” Lamberth said. “When an illegal immigrant was arrested for a crime or came into contact with law enforcement, ICE was notified, and they were deported. I would assume it will return to the way it was.”
However, advocacy organizations such as the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) are preparing for what they fear could be a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. TIRRC is working to educate immigrant communities about their legal rights, reminding individuals that the Constitution guarantees rights regardless of immigration status.
Cesar Bautista, a spokesperson for TIRRC, explained that while many immigrants fear they have no rights due to their status, this is not the case. The organization is offering workshops and resources to help families understand what to do if faced with deportation and providing temporary guardians for children who may be separated from their parents in such scenarios.
“A lot of what we’re doing right now is making sure people understand their rights,” Bautista said. “It’s very common for maybe the average person, but for somebody undocumented, they may feel like ‘Oh, because of my status, I don’t have any rights in general,’ but we know that’s not correct.”
TIRRC is also helping families manage the emotional toll of the uncertainty, with counselors available to support those under stress due to the potential for deportation. The mood among immigrant communities is described as one of heightened anxiety, with many unsure of what the future holds under the Trump administration’s policies.
“We’re seeing a lot of anxiety about what’s yet to come,” Bautista added.
As lawmakers prepare to tackle immigration issues, the debate in Tennessee reflects the broader national conversation on immigration reform. While some continue to push for stricter enforcement, others remain focused on the human impact of these policies and advocate for protections for immigrant families facing an uncertain future.
