Tennessee’s Republican-led Statehouse is poised to implement new immigration enforcement measures that align with former President Donald Trump’s strategy to combat illegal immigration and initiate significant mass deportations within the U.S.
In a remarkably swift move, state lawmakers have advanced GOP Governor Bill Lee’s $5.5 million initiative to establish a dedicated immigration division within the state. This plan includes providing new training grants for local law enforcement agencies interested in forming agreements to assist federal immigration efforts. The proposal is nearing completion, with final votes expected soon.
One notable aspect of this initiative is the introduction of a distinct, temporary driver’s license for lawful permanent residents, denoting that they are not U.S. citizens. Proponents, primarily Republicans, argue this measure would help determine individuals’ eligibility to vote.
Republican Senator Bo Watson from Chattanooga emphasized, “The American people made their voices clear in electing Trump, indicating that border security and illegal immigration are crucial issues that need addressing.”
However, certain legal concerns have emerged regarding parts of the legislation, especially a proposed Class E felony that would penalize local elected officials who support or enact sanctuary policies. These policies could include any local regulations that hinder U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from detaining unauthorized migrants.
Legislative legal advisors recently cautioned lawmakers that such penalties might breach constitutional protections for legislators at various government levels. Nevertheless, these warnings have largely been disregarded by proponents of the legislation.
While Republicans have dismissed Democratic claims that sanctuary policies are already prohibited in Tennessee and thus cannot be enforced, the GOP-led Senate has nevertheless approved the legislation. Only one Republican senator voted against it, while the Republican-majority House is likely to endorse the bill soon, sending it to the governor for his anticipated signature.
Tennessee is part of a growing trend of Republican states pursuing legislation to enhance Trump’s stringent immigration policies. Despite the Trump administration not providing specific directives regarding state policies, some state legislative leaders have been proactive in advancing laws they believe will align with Trump’s agenda.
For instance, Florida’s lawmakers recently approved an extensive immigration bill obligating all levels of government, including contractors, to comply with federal immigration enforcement fully. However, a conflict emerged with Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who has indicated plans to veto the legislation after the legislature dismissed his initial proposals.
Oklahoma’s lawmakers are also expected to enter a legislative session next month to deliberate a bill aimed at ousting election officials who deliberately violate the sanctuary policy ban.
In Tennessee, efforts by Democrats and a few Republicans to modify the immigration bill by eliminating the felony aspect were unsuccessful. Additionally, an amendment to bar state and local authorities from conducting immigration enforcement near schools, churches, and hospitals was also rejected.
Critics warn that the expedited process could lead to immediate legal challenges. Democratic Representative Justin Jones from Nashville called the bill “un-American” and “immoral,” arguing that it poses constitutional inconsistencies and could lead to costly litigation.
The rapid advancement of Lee’s immigration legislation was facilitated by a special session convened by the governor, allowing legislators to bypass standard procedures and rules. In addition to immigration, the agenda covers Lee’s extensive education voucher proposal, which aims to assist families in sending their children to private schools, irrespective of income levels.
The governor hopes that a social media endorsement from Trump concerning the voucher initiative will help garner favorable support. Votes on both the immigration and voucher bills are scheduled in the state’s House and Senate.
At the Capitol, crowds expressing their opposition to both the immigration and voucher proposals have gathered in large numbers during committee hearings. Recently, three women displaying protest signs were removed by state troopers from a House committee meeting regarding the immigration bill after being warned to maintain decorum.
