House GOP closes in on Dem mayors’ resistance to Trump immigration crackdown
House GOP investigators are honing in on the battle between Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and federal immigration officials, with a particular focus on the riots in Los Angeles, according to Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn. The investigation, facilitated by the House committees on Homeland Security and the Judiciary, is looking into a key fund being used to support illegal immigrants, which is allegedly being promoted using taxpayer dollars despite city officials’ denials.
Ogles provided an update on the investigation to senior Trump administration officials, highlighting concerns about the Belonging Fund, which aims to provide legal aid, housing, transportation, and other support to individuals targeted by ICE. He questioned whether federal resources were used in the administration of the fund, potentially violating the Anti-Deficiency Act or federal grant restrictions.
The investigation also involves monitoring events in Los Angeles, where violent protests erupted in response to ICE raids. The National Guard was deployed by President Trump to quell the riots, sparking controversy over the use of presidential powers.
In Nashville, ICE agents working with the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested nearly 200 illegal immigrants, including individuals with criminal backgrounds or gang affiliations. O’Connell signed an executive order to track interactions with federal immigration authorities, drawing criticism from DHS.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green is assisting with the probe, which is not limited to Nashville. The investigation aims to address what Ogles describes as a pattern of resistance to lawful immigration enforcement.
The Department of Justice has not confirmed receipt of Ogles’ letter, and responses are being sought from DHS, the FBI, and the White House. The mayors’ offices in Nashville and Los Angeles have also been contacted for comment.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
