Latest news with #SenateBill1464
Int'l Business Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Tennessee Officials Could Face Felony Charges for Releasing Names of Officers Aiding ICE Efforts Under Republican-Led Bill
GOP legislators in Tennessee recently filed a bill attempting to criminalize the publication of specific documents related to immigration enforcement in order to protect officials aiding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill, titled Senate Bill 1464, "makes certain records regarding immigration enforcement actions confidential and not subject to public disclosure by state or local government entities or officials." This comes after Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell implemented an executive order requiring the Metro Nashville Police Department and Metro councilmembers to record and publicize any interactions with federal immigration authorities, reported WKRN. Last month, a city document was released which described 35 interactions between Metro Police and immigration enforcement federal agencies. The report included the names of individuals such as a Metro Council member, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement analyst and Homeland Security officers. However, the names were later redacted. O'Connell refused to rescind the order, stating that it "helps makes sure that nobody can accuse local, state or federal entities of activity that did or did not occur," after Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton demanded that the order be repealed. Sexton and Senator Majority Leader Jack Johnson, both Republicans, then joined forces to file Senate Bill 1464. "Mayor O'Connell's decision to release sensitive information undermines the rule of law, violates public trust, and jeopardizes the safety of those who protect our communities. This bill makes it clear: if you use your office to interfere with federal immigration enforcement or endanger officers, there will be swift and serious consequences. Tennessee will not be a sanctuary for lawlessness," Sexton said in a statement. Originally published on Latin Times
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
TN bill proposes removing public officials who ‘disrupt' ICE efforts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Republican lawmakers in Tennessee filed a bill Monday that would make releasing certain records regarding immigration enforcement actions a crime. The filing of Senate Bill 1464 comes after Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell enacted Executive Order 30, which requires the Metro Nashville Police Department and Metro councilmembers to document and publish interactions with federal immigration authorities. In May, a city document detailing 35 immigration-related interactions between Metro Police and federal agencies was released. The report initially named individuals, including a Metro Council member, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement analyst, and Homeland Security officers. However, the names were later removed from the public version of the report. PREVIOUS | TN House Speaker demands Nashville mayor rescind executive order tied to ICE interactions Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) has since demanded that the mayor rescind the order, claiming it jeopardizes state and federal agents. However, Mayor O'Connell stated he has no plans to rescind the order, adding that it 'helps makes sure that nobody can accuse local, state or federal entities of activity that did or did not occur.' Now, Sexton has joined Senator Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) in filing Senate Bill 1464. 'Mayor O'Connell's decision to release sensitive information undermines the rule of law, violates public trust, and jeopardizes the safety of those who protect our communities. This bill makes it clear: if you use your office to interfere with federal immigration enforcement or endanger officers, there will be swift and serious consequences. Tennessee will not be a sanctuary for lawlessness,' said Sexton. According to the filing, SB14 will: Make it a Class E felony for state and local officials to negligently release identifying information of officers involved in immigration enforcement; Provide for outster from office for those who violate the law; Expand the confidentiality protections under the Tennessee Public Records Act to cover undercover officers and sensitive enforcement activity; Strengthen existing penalties in state law for unauthorized disclosures of protected law enforcement information. 'The people of Tennessee expect their elected leaders to protect law enforcement—not endanger them,' said Leader Johnson. 'When a public official like Mayor O'Connell chooses political activism over public safety, especially by interfering with federal immigration enforcement, he has no business holding office in this state.' ⏩ Sexton added that Tennessee stands with law enforcement and 'will not become California, and Nashville will not become LA or San Francisco.' The bill will be formally considered during the 2026 legislative session. The legislation is reportedly co-sponsored by all the Senate Republican leadership — including Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile, Republican Caucus Chairman Ken Yager — as well as Finance Committee Chairman Bo Watson. News 2 has reached out to O'Connell's office for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
