Nashville, TN— Tennessee Governor Bill Lee presented his administration’s new agenda aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement in the state, a proposal that will be brought before the General Assembly during a special session scheduled for January 27.
The plan, which comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive orders designed to curb illegal immigration, focuses on creating a more robust state-level immigration enforcement framework. According to a press release from the governor’s office, Lee’s proposal includes the establishment of a new division within the Department of Safety — the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division. This division would streamline the enforcement of immigration laws across the state and work in coordination with federal immigration authorities under the Trump administration.
In addition to the creation of the new division, the agenda outlines stricter identification policies. Tennessee would implement measures to ensure that only U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with federal authorization can receive state-issued identification, such as driver’s licenses. Non-citizens would be issued licenses marked with distinguishing features, and individuals would be required to prove their citizenship status when renewing or reinstating their licenses.
The proposal also seeks to encourage local governments to actively participate in immigration enforcement efforts. A key element of the agenda would make it a Class E felony for local officials to adopt sanctuary city policies, with penalties for non-compliance with state mandates. The state would also allocate funds to assist local governments in implementing these immigration policies.
Governor Lee framed the initiative as part of Tennessee’s ongoing commitment to public safety and national border security. “Tennessee has a long track record of stepping up to secure our nation’s borders and strengthening public safety,” Lee said in a statement. “President Trump has made it clear that states will play a major role in partnering with his administration to enforce immigration laws and keep communities safe, and Tennessee is heeding the call.”
Critics of the governor’s proposal, however, have expressed concerns about its timing. House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons accused Lee of diverting attention from more immediate issues. “Providing overdue and much-needed financial aid and relief for the Tennessee families and communities devastated by flooding in September should be our focus and singular priority during this special session,” Clemmons said.
Despite the controversy, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, a key supporter of the legislation, praised the proposal’s potential to aid in the identification and deportation of individuals with violent criminal records. “This legislation allows us to put that commitment into action now that we have a willing federal partner in President Trump,” McNally said.
The special session, which will also address issues like disaster relief and school vouchers, is set to begin on January 27. As lawmakers prepare to discuss these matters, the immigration enforcement agenda will undoubtedly be one of the most contentious topics on the table.
As the state of Tennessee moves forward with these proposed changes, the debate is likely to intensify, with supporters emphasizing public safety and critics pointing to potential distractions from more urgent state concerns. The outcome of the special session could shape the state’s immigration policies for years to come.
