NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Governor Bill Lee has appointed the state’s first-ever Chief Immigration Enforcement Officer, a role aimed at strengthening immigration law enforcement in Tennessee. Ryan Hubbard, the governor’s appointee, was sworn in following his recent commissioning as a Special Agent with the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security. Hubbard brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Arizona and as a Special Agent with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
Governor Lee expressed confidence in Hubbard’s ability to lead this new initiative, citing his decades of experience in immigration enforcement. “Tennessee has a long track record of stepping up to secure our Nation’s borders, and we stand ready to be a willing partner as the Trump Administration strengthens public safety by enforcing immigration laws on the books,” Lee stated. “Ryan Hubbard is a dedicated public servant with decades of experience in immigration enforcement, and I am confident he is the right person to oversee this new division.”
The creation of the Chief Immigration Enforcement Division was authorized by legislation passed during a Special Session of the Tennessee General Assembly in January. This division is designed to collaborate with local and state law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration laws. The goal is to foster agreements that would allow certain local officers to assist in enforcing parts of federal immigration policy, particularly targeting individuals with final deportation orders or serious criminal convictions who remain in the state.
Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Jeff Long, expressed his support for the new division. “This office is about protecting Tennesseans from those who are already known threats—people with final deportation orders or serious criminal convictions who remain in our communities,” Long said. He further emphasized Hubbard’s qualifications, stating that his “extensive experience” would be invaluable in building strong partnerships with local law enforcement and delivering the necessary results.
Hubbard’s appointment comes at a time when immigration enforcement has been a focal point of national discussion. With his law enforcement background and experience in both federal and border patrol roles, Hubbard is expected to play a significant role in Tennessee’s efforts to align with federal immigration policies while addressing concerns about public safety within the state.
The establishment of the Chief Immigration Enforcement Division marks a new chapter in Tennessee’s approach to immigration, one that emphasizes both cooperation with federal authorities and localized efforts to enhance community security.
