Image Credit: Bunny Karmer / Facebook & @brotherjones_/ X
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
On Monday, July 1, Democrat Rep. Justin Jones (Nashville-District 52) announced his filing of a bill which would make it illegal for law enforcement officers in Tennessee to wear face masks while making arrests.
Titled the “Stop American Gestapo Act” (SAGA), HB1442 seeks to make it an offense for a “law enforcement officer to wear a mask, face covering, or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of the law enforcement officer’s official duties.”
This criminalization would include federal officers working in Tennessee, like ICE officials conducting immigration enforcement operations, as the bill text defines “law enforcement officer” to mean, “an officer of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, or a person acting on behalf of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency.”
But the legislation wouldn’t just disallow the covering of faces which officers use to protect their identities. It would also require officers to “clearly display” their name or badge number on their uniform or other clothing so as to be visible to the public, a move which could further endanger officers who are already facing massive increases in doxxing and physical dangers.
In June, the DHS reported that ICE agents were facing a 500% increase in assaults against them while carrying out immigration enforcement operations. Now, those statistics have reportedly climbed to nearly 700% compared to this same time last year with reports of officers being dragged by cars, attempted murder by gang members, or having Molotov cocktails thrown at them.
The department has speculated that the actual numbers may be even higher as some assault reports may still be unaccounted for since they are moving at such a fast pace. Reports also show that families of agents are being doxxed and targeted.
Jones has been an outspoken detractor of immigration enforcement efforts, particularly the recent activities by ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) resulting in the detention of nearly 200 illegal immigrants in the Nashville area.
According to a press release from Jones’ office, these operations and the THP’s decision not to respond to questions from his office were the impetus for this new bill.
“ICE’s tactics have endangered the most vulnerable within our communities, and the broken trust with law enforcement leaves these victims in a position to be further exploited, abused and permanently traumatized. Rep. Jones’ legislation takes meaningful steps to end this dangerous trend by addressing the root practice which made it possible,” the release reads.
“For too long, Donald Trump and his willing accomplices at the state level have increasingly used ICE as an anonymous and extrajudicial police force to engage in targeted terror. This practice has produced horrifying videos of masked agents arresting legal residents and naturalized citizens, deploying excessive force under the cover of anonymity, and routinely refusing to identify themselves to both concerned community members and lawmakers. The identities of those who conducted the profiled stops and engaged in questionable tactics during the course of their interactions have been shielded from any meaningful responsibility.”
Jones stated he wants a vote on the legislation, “as soon as we reconvene in the General Assembly”, which will be in early 2026.
With a renewed focus on combatting illegal immigration in the state, it seems unlikely this measure will ultimately pass the Republican-controlled legislature next year, but Jones is urging other state lawmakers to join onto the legislation nonetheless.
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.
