Nashville, Tenn. — A recent “public safety operation” conducted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) in partnership with federal authorities has raised concerns among local lawmakers and community members in South Nashville. The operation, which involved Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), led to multiple traffic stops, leaving residents and public officials questioning the legality and execution of the event.
State Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville), along with other Democratic lawmakers, has voiced serious concerns about the operation. Clemmons criticized the lack of due process, noting disturbing reports of abandoned children and personal property left behind in the aftermath of the traffic stops. He further stated that there seemed to be no legal justification for detaining individuals, calling into question the absence of subpoenas or warrants related to the operation.
“This is deeply concerning. Children were left abandoned. Personal property has been left abandoned. People are without their family members,” Clemmons said. “There appears to be no due process whatsoever. We have no information about subpoenas or any legal action taken. Right now, it looks like there is nothing stopping the federal government from detaining any of us without cause.”
In response to the operation, Clemmons and other members of the Davidson County Legislative Delegation sent a letter to Tennessee Department of Safety Commissioner Jeff Long and Colonel Matt Perry of the THP. The letter seeks clarification on whether the operation was conducted at the request of the federal government or if it was a state-driven initiative. Lawmakers are demanding to know the extent of the state’s involvement and the legal basis for such actions.
As of now, there has been no clear explanation of the scope of federal involvement in the operation, and many questions remain unanswered regarding the treatment of individuals during the stops.
Governor Bill Lee’s office, when contacted by News 2 for comment, offered a statement defending the state’s role in immigration enforcement. A spokesperson emphasized that Tennessee has a long history of cooperating with federal authorities to strengthen public safety and secure the nation’s borders.
“Tennessee has a longstanding track record of stepping up to secure our nation’s borders and enhancing public safety,” the statement read. “In partnership with the General Assembly, Governor Lee established the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division to strengthen the state’s ability to identify individuals who are subject to final orders of removal or who are violent criminal offenders unlawfully in the country.”
The statement further noted that inquiries regarding law enforcement operations should be directed to the Department of Safety, which oversees the state’s role in these matters.
While the Democratic legislators continue to demand more transparency and accountability, a Republican lawmaker is expected to address the issue later this week. The response from the Republican side may offer further clarity on the state’s stance regarding the enforcement operation and the role of federal agencies in Tennessee’s immigration enforcement efforts.
The debate over this operation highlights the growing tensions around immigration enforcement in the state, with lawmakers from both parties voicing differing opinions on the balance between public safety and civil liberties.
