Latest news with #TennesseeDepartmentofSafetyandHomelandSecurity
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
This new law lets Tennessee police and ICE collaborate. Here's how
For the last four years, law enforcement agencies nationwide have been confronting unprecedented consequences created by the Biden administration's devastating open-border policies. Just as President Donald Trump was returning to office in January, Tennessee Republicans were taking critical steps to support his immigration agenda by passing laws to remove dangerous criminals from our streets. To improve coordination between state, local and federal agencies, we passed legislation creating a state immigration enforcement division within the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. More: Tennessee Highway Patrol applies for federal ICE program in wake of Nashville crackdowns One of the most important benefits of this law is the establishment of a new state grant program to support local agencies that enter into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For sheriffs and police chiefs, this is a proven tool to keep their communities safe. It's voluntary, constitutional and highly effective. These grant programs allow trained local officers, typically jail deputies, to identify and process criminal aliens already in custody. Several models within the program include the Jail Enforcement Model (JEM) and the Warrant Service Officer Model (WSO). Under the JEM, local officers are trained and authorized by ICE to identify, process and detain individuals already in custody for immigration violations. The WSO model allows officers who have completed an online training course to serve civil immigration warrants within their detention facilities, on behalf of ICE. These models are focused and practical. Officers working within the programs don't deal with street-level immigration issues; they specifically target lawbreakers already in custody for other crimes. More: Sumner County joins a growing number of counties signing on to ICE enforcement program Shockingly, between October 1 and December 31, 2024, approximately 2,719 illegal immigrants were charged with crimes in Tennessee. These crimes included 11 homicides and 447 violent offenses, according to a report from the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference. That's in just three months, and from only 73 of Tennessee's 95 counties. (The other 22 didn't submit any data.) If these models were implemented statewide, it would guarantee those 2,719 criminals would never freely walk around our state again. Our communities are fed up with the increased drug trafficking, gang violence, and presence of repeat offenders who should have never been here in the first place. ICE continues to do an outstanding job identifying and removing illegal aliens, but they cannot reverse four years of open-border damage alone. They need our support, and these 287(g) agreements are how Tennessee can step up and help. Most recently, the Florida Sheriff's Association announced that all of the Sunshine State's 67 counties would be participating in the 287(g) program, ensuring every county jail has an ICE-deputized officer in place. Currently, only seven counties in Tennessee are participating in the program. This must change. I urge every sheriff and police chief across the state to act now. Opinion: Metro government's ICE outrage is lawlessness disguised as kindness The process is straightforward. The training is covered, and the state offers financial support to help agencies get started. These programs work. Most importantly, these programs prevent the release of criminal illegal aliens back into our communities. We have the tools. The funding is available. Now it's time to act. Let's make it clear that Tennessee enforces its laws and protects its citizens. Lee Reeves serves District 65 of the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Williamson County. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee sheriffs have a new tool to fight crime. Use it | Opinion
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Over half of Tennessee drivers have already obtained a Real ID
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security released internal data on Monday about the proliferation of REAL ID following the long-delayed federal implementation of the security measure. Beginning May 7, a Real ID or another federally-issued ID, such as a passport, became required to board commercial airline flights within the US or enter certain federal buildings. Air travelers who do not present a Real ID or passport may need to undergo additional security screenings. What to expect at airports now that Real ID is being enforced Of the approximately 5.8 million licensed drivers in Tennessee, over three million Real IDs have been issued since the department first began distributing them in July 2019. Nearly 12% of those have been issued in the last three months. According to a state release, 1,860,265 have chosen not to obtain a REAL ID. Nearly 1 million are currently in the renewal cycle and have not yet made a selection. REAL ID: When you need one and when you don't There is no cutoff for Tennesseans to apply for one. They can be obtained at any Driver Services Center and some county clerk's offices. Individuals must provide documentation proving U.S. citizenship or legal presence, their Social Security number, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. ▶ See more top stories on 'Reaching this milestone reflects the commitment of our Driver Services team across the state,' said Commissioner Jeff Long. 'From front-counter staff to back-office personnel, our employees have worked diligently to process REAL ID applications and serve the public in a timely, professional manner. Their efforts helped us get as many Tennesseans ready as possible before the federal implementation date.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
ACLU of Tennessee files petition to challenge state rule about sex designations on driver licenses
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee has filed a petition to challenge the state's laws about driver licenses and other state identification for transgender Tennesseans. In 2023, Tennessee passed a bill defining 'sex' as anatomy at birth. Additionally, last year a federal appeals court ruled that there is no fundamental right to change sex on a birth certificate. In Tennessee, all identifying documentation—including driver licenses—must match; all transgender Tennesseans change the marker on their identifying documents if it does not match their birth certificate. 📧 Have breaking news come to you: → The ACLU-TN originally filed a petition to challenge the state's driver license rule in April 2024 on behalf of 'Jane Doe,' whose identity has been withheld due to safety concerns. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security—one of the defendants in the case—did not issue accurate identification documents, according to the ACLU, and caused her significant harm. Chrissy Miller later joined the case as a plaintiff. ACLU-TN said that while Miller was successfully able to change the sex designation on her driver's license, the state department told her that she has to surrender it or face losing driving privileges. Last September, the court ordered the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to evaluate its actions and determine whether the agency stood by them. A hearing was held in January, and the Department affirmed its actions; the plaintiffs then asked the Department to stop enforcing the rule while the court heard arguments in the case. The department reportedly refused, resulting in a new court filing Monday. ⏩ 'All people deserve the freedom to live their lives safely and with dignity,' ACLU-TN Senior Attorney Lucas Cameron-Vaughn said in a press release. 'Our clients need accurate identification documents in order to travel for work and family, to vote, and to engage in everyday life like everyone else. Forcing them to carry identification that contradicts who they are—or else withholding that identification altogether—is cruel, unfair and unlawful.' A spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said the agency does not comment on pending litigation. If you have been prevented from getting a driver license with an accurate gender marker, you can contact the ACLU-TN here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Can I still get a REAL ID after May 7? More than 2M in Tennessee still don't have one
REAL IDs are officially in effect. Starting May 7, a REAL ID is required to board commercial flights and enter certain federal buildings. Tennesseans have had nearly six years to get their REAL ID, since the Department of Homeland Security began issuing the more secure licenses on July 1, 2019. Many Tennesseans are in the clear. As of May 6, 2,994,076 Tennesseans have a REAL ID, according to Charmaine McNeilly, deputy director of communications for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Another 1,865,770 Tennesseans have chosen not to get the REAL ID and 967,065 Tennesseans remain undecided. If you still need to get your REAL ID, here's what to know about the cost and application process. Or, here's how to fly without the star on your ID. What is a REAL ID? A REAL ID is a driver's license or state-issued identification card denoted by a small star in the top right-hand corner. These cards have enhanced security standards, including anti-counterfeiting technology, to prevent insider fraud, and use documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be, according to the Department of Homeland Security. REAL IDs are issued in Tennessee and all other U.S. states, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Can I still get a REAL ID? Yes. You can still make an appointment at your local Driver Services Center up to 90 days out to get your Tennesse REAL ID. Make an appointment online at Will there be a grace period for REAL ID? The official answer: No. If you don't have a REAL ID, you may be denied boarding for your flight. That being said, the Transportation Security Administration does have "appropriate flexibility" when enforcing the REAL ID for the first two years of enforcement, according to the Federal Register. CNN reported that those without a REAL ID "will be notified of their non-compliance, then may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening." Appropriate flexibility was established in January to help the TSA establish a phased approach to enforcement. "This flexibility allows agencies to begin card-based enforcement as part of a measured, responsible, and achievable plan leading to full enforcement of the REAL ID regulations," according to the final rule. How do I know if I have a REAL ID? A REAL ID can be identified by a little star symbol in the top right-hand corner of your Tennessee license. If you don't see a star, you don't have a REAL ID. Can I still travel in the U.S. without a REAL ID? You may still be able to board your flight without a REAL ID. Here are other acceptable documents, according to the Transportation Security Administration. State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) U.S. passport U.S. passport card DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation worker identification credential U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) What federal buildings do you need to access with a Real ID? The REAL ID also will be required to enter certain federal facilities after the May 7 deadline. You may need a REAL ID or another approved piece of identification to enter military bases, nuclear power plants, along with other federal facilities. People should check to see if they need a REAL ID ahead of going to a facility. What happens if you don't get your REAL ID by the deadline? If you aren't planning on boarding a plane or visiting a nuclear power plant anytime soon, there is no worry about missing the May 7 deadline. Regular IDs will still be valid, except in the cases listed above. You can still apply for a REAL ID after the deadline. What do you need to get a REAL ID in Tennessee? In order to get your REAL ID in Tennessee, you'll need to present proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of Tennessee residency. Anyone who has changed their name must provide certified legal documents supporting the name change. There are many different documents that could fulfill the requirements of proof of U.S. citizenship and/or Tennessee residency. A full list of acceptable documents to bring is available at How much does a REAL ID cost in Tennessee? A REAL ID costs around $28, the same rate as a standard Tennessee driver's license or photo ID. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: REAL ID: Can I still get it after May 7? How to know if I have one?
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
REAL ID: When you need one and when you don't
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The deadline to get a REAL ID is approaching but unless you're boarding a flight soon, there's no need to rush. Millions of Tennesseans still don't have a REAL ID, which is marked with a gold star in the corner of your driver's license. The REAL ID deadline is May 7, but what happens if you don't have one by then? 'Unless they're flying domestically, then nothing is going to happen because your state ID, your state driver's license that you have, even if it's not a REAL ID, it's still good to drive. It's still good to vote. It's still good to buy beverages,' said Jason Pack with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. REAL ID is part of the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 after recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. It is meant to create minimum security standards for driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID to routinely board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. If you have a domestic flight coming up, but no REAL ID, a passport, permanent resident card or other select documents can serve as an alternative. Without one of these documents, you may experience some delays in your travel plans. 'They will be directed to additional screening, so we are encouraging people who are in that category to arrive to the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time,' said Becky Huckaby, Vice President of Public Relations for McGhee Tyson Airport. If you don't have your REAL ID yet, you may be out of luck getting an appointment at the DMV before the deadline. 6 News looked at available appointments at each location within an hour drive from downtown Knoxville. The Alcoa and Sevierville locations had the soonest available appointments, in early June. However, you can also get a REAL ID at some county clerk's offices. 'The Department of Safety partners with Tennessee county clerk's offices, those who chose to participate. In Knox County that's the case and in a lot of other counties around here that is the case too, so you just want to make sure they have that capability before you go out there,' Pack said. To get your REAL ID, you will need proof of U.S. Citizenship or legal presence, like a birth certificate, proof of your full social security number and two proofs of Tennessee residency, like a utility bill or paycheck. It's also important to note, if your name has changed from what is listed on any of the required documents, you must also bring certified legal documents supporting the name change. This could include marriage licenses and divorce decrees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
