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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
In response to Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s announcement last Friday that he is refusing to rescind Executive Order 30 which led to the doxxing of several federal immigration agents and requires communications between immigration enforcement agencies and city employees to be filtered through his office, a bill has been filed by Tennessee lawmakers that would aim to hold government officials accountable for such actions in the future.
On June 9, SB1464 was filed by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin-District 27) with the intent to make “certain records regarding immigration enforcement actions confidential and not subject to public disclosure by state or local government entities or officials,” according to the bill’s summary.
According to the bill text, SB1464 will require that sensitive information like names, addresses, or other personal identifiers be kept confidential for federal, state, and local officers or agents participating in federal immigration enforcement efforts. Additionally, information related to specific operational activities, such as dates and times, locations, logistics, or strategies must also be kept confidential.
The legislation would make it a Class E felony for state and local officials to negligently release identifying information of officers involved in immigration enforcement. “Official” is defined to mean “an agent, employee, member, or representative of a local governmental entity and includes the mayor of a county, incorporated city or town, and metropolitan government.”
Further consequences stipulate that any official who acts with “criminal negligence” by violating the law would be subject to removal from office by the processes outlined in Tennessee Code.
On social media, Johnson presented the highlights of the bill and wrote, “The people of Tennessee expect their elected leaders to protect law enforcement—not endanger them. That is why I filed SB1464 which establishes criminal penalties for any public official who compromises the safety of law enforcement officers or disrupts federal immigration enforcement efforts.”
The legislation is also being supported by Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville-District 25) who expressed his intent to ensure “Tennessee will not become California, and Nashville will not become LA or San Francisco on our watch,” referring to the current riots sparked by ICE enforcement operations in Los Angeles.
He further stated, “Mayor O’Connell’s decision to release sensitive information undermines the rule of law, violates public trust, and jeopardizes the safety of those who protect our communities. This bill makes it clear: if you use your office to interfere with federal immigration enforcement or endanger officers, there will be swift and serious consequences. Tennessee will not be a sanctuary for lawlessness.”
SB1464 shows 12 Senate co-sponsors thus far, all Republicans: Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Ferrell Haile, Ken Yager, Bo Watson, Adam Lowe, Bobby Harshbarger, John Stevens, Tom Hatcher, Dawn White, Richard Briggs, Paul Rose, and Brent Taylor.
The bill will not be addressed until the 2026 legislative session and would theoretically go into effect July 1, 2026, should it pass. This means there will likely not be any consequences specifically for O’Connell or his actions this summer at the state level despite Johnson’s declaration that public officials like O’Connell who choose “political activism over public safety” have “no business holding office in this state.”
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.
