TN lawmaker proposes sending illegal migrants accused of minor crimes to sanctuary cities instead of deporting
State Rep. Todd Warner, a Republican lawmaker in Tennessee, has recently introduced a bill known as the Tennessee Illegal Immigration Act. This bill aims to change the way law enforcement deals with illegal migrants who are accused of minor crimes. Instead of deporting these individuals to their home countries, the bill proposes sending them to sanctuary cities.
The Tennessee Illegal Immigration Act also includes a provision that would require all law enforcement agencies to report illegal migrants to federal immigration authorities. Warner believes that by sending migrants to sanctuary cities, the state could potentially save money compared to the cost of deportation.
Warner emphasized that the primary goal of the bill is to enhance safety in Tennessee. He also wants to hold the federal government accountable for enforcing immigration laws and to recoup some costs incurred by the state. The bill specifies that if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) fails to pick up an illegal migrant within 48 hours, the law enforcement agency responsible for the detention would assist in sending them to a sanctuary city.
To fund the relocation of detained migrants, Warner proposes withholding money that Tennessee generates for the federal government through the gas tax. Additionally, an amendment is being considered to clarify that the bill only applies to illegal migrants charged with minor offenses, not violent criminals who would still be subject to deportation.
Despite Warner’s intentions, there are concerns about the potential impact of the bill on migrant families. Hannah Smalley, the Advocacy and Education Manager at Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors, believes that the proposal could lead to the unnecessary separation of migrant families. She argues that simply being transported away from family members can be emotionally damaging, especially for individuals who have not been charged with crimes.
Warner has acknowledged the need to refine the bill but remains optimistic about bipartisan support in the legislature. As the bill undergoes further revisions, it is essential to consider the implications for both law enforcement practices and the well-being of migrant communities. Ultimately, the Tennessee Illegal Immigration Act seeks to address immigration issues in a way that prioritizes public safety while also upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.
