Tennessee Lawmaker Demands Federal Inquiry into Nashville Mayor’s Immigration Policies

Tennessee Lawmaker Demands Federal Inquiry into Nashville Mayor’s Immigration Policies

A Republican lawmaker from Tennessee is urging a federal investigation into Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s policies regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Representative Andy Ogles, a member of the House of Representatives, has made it clear that he will not back down from this pursuit.

Ogles communicated his intentions in a post on X, where he announced that he is formally requesting documents and communications from O’Connell’s office related to the mayor’s alleged protection of undocumented immigrants. This request comes with the backing of the House Judiciary Committee.

Specific Requests Made by Ogles

Among the documents Ogles seeks are internal communications concerning the amendment of Executive Order 30. This directive has been described as outrageous because it mandates that Nashville city employees and first responders report all interactions with federal immigration authorities directly to the mayor.

Furthermore, Ogles is calling for all internal discussions or documents that pertain to ICE enforcement actions within Nashville and Davidson County. He is also requesting any correspondence involving Metro employees and non-governmental organizations regarding the arrest or detention of criminal undocumented immigrants in the area.

Strong Words from the Lawmaker

In addition to his formal request, Ogles shared a video outlining his position on his social media platform. He expressed strong disapproval of the individuals the mayor seems to protect, categorizing them as murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers. His firm stance emphasizes his reliability on the rule of law and his support for ICE. Ogles declared that he will actively stand with law enforcement.

He stated, “I choose my community, my state, and my family over this type of nonsense, which is why, due to the remarks of Freddie O’Connell and the potential for aiding and abetting illegal immigration, the Homeland Security and the Judiciary Committees will be conducting an investigation into the mayor of Nashville.” Ogles affirmed his commitment by saying, “I will not back down. I will not relent, and I will always stand with law enforcement.”

Context of the Investigation Request

This announcement follows a letter Ogles sent 10 days prior, in which he urged an investigation into Mayor O’Connell over accusations from the Trump administration that he supports pro-illegal immigration policies. O’Connell’s response to the investigation request has yet to be made, as his office did not provide comments to media outlets seeking clarification.

Recent Arrests Highlighting the Issue

Earlier this month, ICE agents, in partnership with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, conducted an operation that resulted in nearly 200 arrests. The Department of Homeland Security reported that many of these individuals were undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds, including gang affiliations.

DHS Responds to O’Connell

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly addressed Mayor O’Connell in light of the recent arrests, particularly emphasizing comments he made earlier in the month. DHS stated that actions taken by federal authorities aim to enhance community safety. However, O’Connell has been vocal about his concerns regarding these operations.

Despite the arrests, O’Connell signed an executive order designed to monitor and track interactions between city residents and federal immigration authorities.

Mayor’s Concerns on Public Safety

In a follow-up letter to the city about the recent ICE operations, O’Connell reiterated his primary commitment to public safety. He expressed concern regarding the impact of federal actions on the community, stating that no personnel from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department were involved in the enforcement operations carried out by ICE.

He added that this type of action sows fear among community members regarding their interactions with local law enforcement in legitimate situations.

Concerns Over Community Well-Being

O’Connell argued that the approaches employed in these federal enforcement actions do not prioritize safety. He maintained that they leave residents fearful of engaging with authorities during times of crime, an outcome he finds unacceptable. He has requested names of those detained during the operations, aiming for greater transparency.

Criminal Activities Uncovered

The recent operations by ICE unfolded as significant due to the nature of the individuals detained. The Department of Homeland Security highlighted that those arrested include a convicted child sex predator and suspected members of violent gangs, illustrating the complexities of immigration enforcement.

DHS emphasized the importance of addressing criminal activities among undocumented individuals, asserting that O’Connell should be in favor of removing these dangerous elements from American streets. The agency also noted a worrying trend of increased assaults on ICE officers, calling for support from local officials.

Public Sentiment and Political Implications

The current dialogue highlights the increasing national debate surrounding immigration policies and enforcement. Ogles’ strong stance reflects a broader tension within the political landscape, as both proponents and opponents of strict immigration enforcement express passionate views.

As tensions navigate through Nashville and beyond, the responses from both the Republican proponents and the Democratic mayor will continue to shape the ongoing conversation about immigration, law enforcement, and community safety.

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.