DHS fires back at Nashville mayor, provides rap sheets of ICE detainees
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has fired back at Democrat Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell after he publicly accused Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents of not sharing the state’s values of safety. This accusation came after a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) operation in coordination with ICE resulted in the arrest of nearly 200 illegal immigrants.
ICE and THP announced the arrest of 196 illegal immigrants during the Nashville operation, with 95 of them having prior criminal convictions and pending charges. More than 30 of the individuals arrested were previously removed from the U.S. and had reentered illegally, which is a felony offense under federal law.
In response to Mayor O’Connell’s criticism, DHS officials released a statement refuting his claims. They highlighted the success of the operation in removing violent criminals, gang members, and sex offenders from Nashville’s streets. DHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin criticized O’Connell for prioritizing the protection of illegal immigrants over American citizens.
The statement from DHS also addressed the increase in assaults faced by ICE officers, attributing it to the attacks and demonization of the agency by politicians like Mayor O’Connell. Despite the backlash, DHS emphasized that their primary focus is enforcing the law and ensuring the safety of American communities.
The DHS news release also mentioned the establishment of the “Belonging Fund” by Mayor O’Connell to provide taxpayer dollars for illegal immigrants in Nashville. However, DHS reiterated their commitment to upholding the law and working with state and local partners to prevent criminal aliens from victimizing American citizens.
The statement from DHS included details of some of the individuals arrested during the Nashville operation. Jassim Jafaf Al-Raash, a 60-year-old illegal immigrant from Iraq, had prior convictions for rape, larceny, and false imprisonment. Franklin Oswaldo Velasquez, a 33-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was linked to the MS-13 gang and had an active Red Notice in El Salvador for aggravated murder.
Other individuals arrested included Inmar Antonio Penado-Membreno from El Salvador, who had convictions for drug offenses and aggravated assault, Richard St. Baptiste from Haiti, who was convicted of drug charges, and Carlos Reinaldo Alvarado-Rodriguez from Guatemala, who was convicted of aggravated assault.
DHS concluded by reiterating their commitment to enforcing the law and removing violent criminal illegal aliens from American communities. They emphasized the importance of supporting ICE agents in their efforts to make America safe again. Mayor O’Connell’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the DHS statement.
