Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill requiring law enforcement agencies to alert and cooperate with federal immigration agents if individuals are found to be living in the US illegally. The legislation mandates that law enforcement is encouraged to communicate and cooperate with federal immigration authorities in identifying, detaining, and deporting those found to be in the country unlawfully.
Tennessee Republican Senator and sponsor of the bill, Brent Taylor, clarified that this legislation will apply only in cases where law enforcement discovers an individual's immigration status while they are in custody for another alleged offense.
The new Tennessee legislation does not explicitly express that law enforcement agencies and officials “are authorized” to cooperate in immigration duties as outlined in state law; rather, they are encouraged to do so.
This legislation goes into effect on July 1, 2024.
In line with numerous other strict anti-immigration laws across the country, this law will lead to increased racial profiling and targeted biased policing. If you have any questions about how to stay protected or what this means for you, contact us!
Call us: (225) 400-9976
Make an appointment: thescottlawfirm.as.me/schedule
Source: