The Republican-led Tennessee House has passed a bill that would require state law enforcement agencies to communicate with federal immigration authorities about people found to be in the country illegally. The bill would mandate cooperation in identifying, catching, detaining, and deporting undocumented immigrants. The move follows similar efforts in other Republican-led states critical of President Biden’s border policies. Supporters argue that President Biden’s administration is to blame for the need for such measures.
Opponents, including Democrats and advocacy groups, argue that the bill would harm immigrant communities seeking a better life and could erode trust between law enforcement and these communities. The bill would require law enforcement agencies to cooperate in various immigration tasks explicitly outlined in state law. This could raise legal confusion and worsen tensions between law enforcement and immigrant communities by turning local officers into de facto immigration agents.
The bill is now moving to the GOP-led Senate floor for further action. Some agencies in Tennessee have already communicated with federal authorities about immigration status, and the bill could impact the trust built with immigrant communities. Conservative advocacy groups like The Heritage Foundation support stricter immigration policies in states and recommend measures such as verification of worker immigration status. Tennessee Republicans are also working on other bills, including making transporting undocumented individuals into the state a misdemeanor. Opponents argue that the bill could require law enforcement agencies to sign up for 287(g) agreements, which would add costs for local governments to get involved.
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