‘Patients were cancelling': Nashville dentist feels impact of ICE activity
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Though Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity appears to have died down in South Nashville, recent actions have changed the way that people go about their daily lives — even those in the U.S. legally.
On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security reported that nearly 200 people were arrested this month during a 'public safety operation' with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The agency claimed that at least 95 of those arrested had previous criminal convictions and pending charges. However, the DHS only released five identities out of the 196 arrested, so News 2 has not been able to verify the validity of the claim.
'We are human beings': The faces and stories of families impacted by ICE activity in Nashville
The executive director for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition said some of those arrested were on their way to work. Since the activity, some immigrants have chosen not to drive. Others aren't going out at all.
'Our office name is 'All Smiles Nashville,'' Dentist and Owner of 'All Smiles Nashville,' Dr. Thanh Nguyen, said. 'It's not 'Legal Nashville.' It's not 'Illegal Nashville.' My concern for all patients is: how I can take care of you?'
Nguyen told News 2 that last week's ICE acitvity caused a 33% spike in cancellations.
'Patients were canceling left and right — rightfully so, of course,' Nguyen said. 'We have a patient who is in the middle of treatment. I mean, they are in some temporary crowns. These are things that dental school doesn't really teach you.'
Nguyen worries that panic could drive patients to avoid critical care or turn to unlicensed clinics. However, the fear isn't limited to undocumented patients; it's affecting legal immigrants, too.
'They are still scared just because they are a part of the Hispanic community regardless of the situation they are living in and how they have done things legally, they are still scared and have designated to taking Uber, which we all know takes a toll out of our paychecks,' dental assistant at All Smiles Nashville, Cristal, said.
Nguyen said that some of his employees, who immigrated legally, have also taken rideshares to work because they fear being profiled.
'They are just so afraid to drive right now that they have to Uber half an hour and so they are getting here extra early and staying late and battling through traffic in surge prices and what-not,' Nguyen explained. 'That is just how much they value working in this environment and being able to take care of our patients.'
Nguyen, an immigrant himself, said his team and patients are the heart of the clinic.
'It's a purge': Reactions to Nashville's ICE operations, impact on local businesses
'Our employees are the hardest workers, and they are just here to better the lives not only of themselves, but of our community,' Nguyen said.
If this incident affected you or a family member, TIRRC urges you to call its resource line at 615-414-1030 for legal information and resources. The coalition also shared this link to offer a review of constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement or ICE.
To donate to The Belonging Fund, an effort to support Nashville immigrants during moments of crisis, follow this link.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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