Image Credit: John Partipilo/Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Following a joint operation between the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Nashville during the late night of May 3, both agencies have continued further actions to detain illegal aliens despite criticism from immigrant rights activists and elected officials.
The original dual action by these agencies resulted in a mass traffic stop of over 150 vehicles in Nashville neighborhoods known to have high numbers of serious traffic accidents and gang activity. Dozens of individuals were reportedly detained by ICE while THP made several arrests for outstanding warrants and seized illegal guns and drugs.
The initial detainments on May 3 drew protest from groups like the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition along with Democrat elected officials like Rep. Aftyn Behn and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who criticized the agencies’ actions by claiming they do not make the community safer and leave people “fearing” law enforcement.
But despite critique from these liberal sources, the state and federal agencies not only stood by their initial actions but conducted additional waves of traffic stops through the early morning on Tuesday, May 6.
Nearly 400 vehicles were stopped during the days-long operation, resulting in 94 detentions, according to Fox News 17.
Those arrested have reportedly been bussed to an ICE field office in Nashville or an immigration detention center in New Orleans, Louisiana where they will be processed accordingly.
On May 6, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced via social media that included in those arrested through the operations were, “a convicted child sex predator, a member of Tren de Aragua, an individual convicted of aggravated assault, and multiple aliens with drug charges.”
The agency also rebuked the statements from Mayor O’Connell and reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its immigration enforcement duties under President Trump, despite the increased danger to ICE officers. “The Nashville Mayor should want these criminal illegal aliens off American streets. Attacks and demonization of our brave law enforcement is wrong. ICE officers are now facing a 413% increase in assaults. President Trump campaigned on immigration enforcement, the American people voted for it, and DHS is delivering,” the post concluded.
The Tennessee House Republican Caucus, Governor Bill Lee, and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn also provided statements in support of the operations.
The House Republicans issued a press release stating, in part, “We fully support the arrest of anyone who is violating our laws…Nashville residents should be highly concerned that their elected Democrat leaders choose to prioritize the well-being of criminals who are here illegally over their law-abiding constituents. The Democrat Party’s pro-criminal, pro-illegal immigration, defund-the police agenda and disdain for the rule of law have left communities defenseless and families shattered. They have truly lost their way.”
Gov. Lee responded to a news story about the operations on X, saying, “Proud of @TNHighwayPatrol troopers for assisting federal partners in the removal of dangerous criminals & drugs from our streets. TN is safer today thanks to dedicated law enforcement who are leading the mission to restore public safety in America.”
And Senator Blackburn commented, “Communities across Tennessee have suffered the consequences of the illegal alien invasion that happened at our southern border for four years under the Biden administration. President Trump is doing what the American people elected him to do by allowing ICE to do its job, and I fully support arrests of those violating America’s immigration laws.”
According to Fox News 17, as federal agencies continue to crack down on criminal alien activity across the state and nation, some illegals are considering self-deporting, perhaps intending to take advantage of the newly-revamped CBP Home app which leaves a possibility for future legal immigration to the U.S. for non-criminal aliens and the avoidance of steep fines for remaining in the country illegally. Those deported by ICE will not have any opportunity to reenter the country.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
