Nashville mayor stands behind immigration executive order
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Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell is defending his executive order that requires city agencies to report communication with federal immigration officials, saying it is an "appropriate, transparent measure."
Why it matters: Republican leaders have been ferociously critical of O'Connell's order, saying it amounted to obstruction of immigration enforcement.
- But O'Connell told reporters Friday that the order shows the community "nobody is trying to hide anything here."
The big picture: O'Connell updated an existing executive order following an immigration crackdown last month that resulted in nearly 200 arrests.
- The goal was to alert Metro sooner when city employees were aware of ICE activity.
- Republicans at every level of government seized on the order, saying O'Connell was trying to interfere with ICE actions. Republicans launched two congressional investigations into the matter.
Zoom in: Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton issued a statement on Thursday calling on O'Connell to rescind the order, which he said forces city employees "to act as big brother."
- "This order has jeopardized the safety of federal and state agents to the extent that individuals are harassing and interfering in the lawful duty of these agents," Sexton said.
Driving the news: O'Connell downplayed the criticism on Friday.
- "Our focus is on participating in conversations," the mayor said. "We don't spend as much energy on statements."
- "I think if they have specific requests, we'll pay attention to those."
Between the lines: O'Connell faces a delicate balancing act.
- Progressive Metro Council members want him to reject ICE efforts in the strongest terms.
- But O'Connell is also trying to improve tenuous relationships with conservative state leaders.