Senator Bill Hagerty Affirms Nashville’s Stance Against Sanctuary City Policies

Senator Bill Hagerty Affirms Nashville’s Stance Against Sanctuary City Policies

Nashville, like every other city in Tennessee, does not hold the designation of a sanctuary city and I am committed to ensuring this status remains unchanged. The implications of sanctuary city policies can jeopardize public safety, and I will not allow that to happen.

Recently, a joint operation by ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol culminated in the arrest of 196 criminal illegal aliens in Nashville, including individuals with serious charges, such as a convicted rapist and a suspected murderer. This operation underscores our commitment to enforcing the law and maintaining the safety of our communities.

While local officials, including Nashville’s leadership, express commitments to cooperating with law enforcement, I remain vigilant. Such commitments must not be mere rhetoric but actions that protect our residents.

Following the enforcement action, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell criticized ICE’s efforts, choosing instead to promote a fund intended to aid illegal immigrants and their families. Furthermore, he issued an executive order aimed at collecting information on Nashville government employees’ interactions with ICE.

Unsurprisingly, this executive action has led to significant backlash, including a staggering 413% rise in assaults against ICE agents on duty. Activists in Nashville are reportedly tracking ICE movements and communicating through encrypted platforms, displaying a concerning level of hostility towards law enforcement.

Serious questions now arise regarding the safety of ICE agents. How might activists misuse the personal information obtained through the mayor’s executive order? What measures are in place to protect these agents from potential harm? These questions deserve attention and demand concrete answers.

Amidst this turmoil, I want to clarify Tennessee’s position. Our state stands firmly behind law enforcement and prioritizes the protection of our citizens above all else. Yet, the narrative pushed by some media outlets attempts to distort our reality.

Writers from left-leaning publications have drawn comparisons between recent ICE actions in Nashville and historical injustices, such as the Jim Crow South. Such comparisons distract from the real issue, which is the illegal actions of individuals who cross our borders unlawfully.

History shows the dangers posed by extremist ideologies. An Antifa activist once attempted to firebomb an ICE facility, driven by a manifesto that painted ICE as evil. These intentions reveal a broader trend of radicalization surrounding immigration issues, with federal officers increasingly being targeted.

Notably, during periods of heightened tension, ICE and other federal law enforcement officers face intensified harassment and threats. An alarming precedent was set in our past when personal information of ICE agents was disseminated online, exposing them to potential violence and intimidation.

With Trump back in office, the cycle of doxxing has unfortunately resurfaced. Some lawmakers openly support efforts to expose identities of ICE officers, choosing to engage in risky behavior rather than fostering dialogue and safety. The actions of Tennessee Democrat Representative Aftyn Behn, filming herself as she stalks ICE agents, exemplify this disturbing trend.

The American public’s sentiment remains clear following the recent election. A strong majority supports a comprehensive immigration agenda, which prioritizes the removal of criminal illegal aliens from our communities. However, the actions of local leaders, such as Mayor O’Connell, risk undermining this imperative.

We must confront a critical issue: the previous administration’s heavy lifting in addressing immigration challenges left behind an immense task. The Biden administration’s approach has resulted in an unprecedented surge in illegal crossings, featuring serious criminal elements among those who enter our country unlawfully.

Today, ICE is working diligently to remove these criminals from our streets and restore public safety. We are not just enforcing laws; we are decisively acting to protect law-abiding citizens.

It is imperative that local leaders support law enforcement rather than obstruct their efforts. Actions taken by officials must reflect a commitment to community safety. I look forward to seeing stronger support for ICE from Nashville’s mayor and all local leaders moving forward.

The time for decisive action is now, and all stakeholders must contribute to ensuring that our communities remain safe. The citizens of Tennessee, and the dedicated men and women of ICE, deserve unwavering support in their mission to uphold the law.