Tennessee lawmakers to consider Trump-inspired immigration bill
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Tennessee Republicans plan to use the special legislative session beginning Monday to push new laws that complement President Trump's hard-line immigration policies.
Why it matters: The special session allows lawmakers to fast-track approval for a sprawling Trump-inspired immigration bill introduced on Jan. 22.
State of play: The proposal would create the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division within the state's Department of Safety to coordinate with the Trump administration on its plans for a crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
- It would also make it a felony for local leaders to vote in favor of so-called sanctuary policies that protect undocumented immigrants. Such policies are already illegal in Tennessee.
- Another prong of the legislation would introduce "visually distinctive markers" on driver's licenses issued to noncitizens.
Zoom in: The legislation would also establish grants to encourage local law enforcement agencies to work with federal immigration authorities on deportation investigations under part of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- That section — 287(g) — allows some state and local law enforcement to assist in some of the duties of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Flashback: Nashville previously participated in 287(g) from 2007 to 2012.
- Sheriff Daron Hall pulled out of the program following criticism from advocates who said it wound up targeting undocumented immigrants suspected of minor traffic violations rather than violent criminals.
What they're saying: Gov. Bill Lee announced the new bill in a joint statement with Republican leaders. The group said the bill would support Trump's plans, which include mass deportations.
- Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) said the bill would create a structure that would allow the state and local governments to "assist in what will be an unprecedented effort to secure the safety and sovereignty of our state and our nation."
The other side: Immigration advocates in Tennessee say the policies will further isolate and imperil the state's immigrant community.
- "The Tennessee Legislature … has introduced bills left and right to seed suspicion, seed fear," said Judith Clerjeune, advocacy director for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, per the Tennessee Lookout.
Zoom out: Tennessee's plan to address immigration during a special session mirrors Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' approach.
The big picture: Of course, Tennessee's special session will also include speedy consideration of Lee's long-sought plan to expand school vouchers statewide.
- Lawmakers will also consider a disaster relief package for Hurricane Helene damage in East Tennessee.