DHS defends a controversial ICE operation in Nashville that removed nearly 200 illegal immigrants, many with criminal records, while the city’s Mayor faces criticism for prioritizing illegal aliens over citizen safety.
At a Glance
- ICE arrested 196 individuals in Nashville, including 95 with prior criminal convictions and 31 previously deported
- DHS criticized Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell for his “pro-open borders” stance
- The operation targeted individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, including gang members and sex offenders
- DHS reported a 413% increase in assaults on ICE officers amid political criticism of enforcement
- Mayor O’Connell launched a fund to support immigrants and signed an executive order to track interactions with federal authorities
DHS Responds to Mayor’s Criticism with Criminal Records
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a strong defense of a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Nashville that resulted in 196 arrests. The agency directly challenged Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who criticized the operation and claimed ICE agents “do not share our values of safety.” DHS officials countered by releasing details about those apprehended, noting that 95 had prior criminal convictions and 31 had previously been deported from the United States and re-entered illegally – a felony offense.
DHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin highlighted the public safety benefits of the operation while suggesting the mayor’s stance was endangering citizens. Among those arrested were individuals with substantial criminal backgrounds, including gang members and sex offenders. The department released specific information about five arrestees with extensive criminal histories to demonstrate the nature of those targeted in the enforcement action.
Escalating Tensions Between Federal and Local Officials
The clash between federal immigration enforcement and local governance has intensified as Mayor O’Connell responded to the ICE operation by signing an Executive Order requiring city agencies to track and report interactions with federal immigration authorities. Additionally, the Mayor partnered with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to launch a fund supporting immigrants in Nashville with needs like housing, childcare, and food insecurity following the enforcement action.
“Pro-open borders politicians—like Mayor O’Connell—would rather protect illegal aliens than American citizens,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This operation resulted in getting gang members, sex offenders, and other violent criminals off Nashville’s streets.”
The Mayor’s office claimed city leaders were unaware of the operation beforehand, despite DHS reporting they had communicated with local authorities regarding potential protests. This communication breakdown has become a focal point in the dispute, with each side presenting different accounts of pre-operation coordination and notification.
Safety Concerns for ICE Officers and Political Support
DHS officials expressed concern about ICE officer safety, citing a 413% increase in assaults against their personnel. The department attributes this alarming rise to political attacks and demonization of immigration enforcement agencies. McLaughlin emphasized that the operation received full support from President Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who “will continue to stand with victims and the brave ICE agents who are on the frontlines making America safe again.”
“You would think all public officials would unite around DHS bringing violent criminal illegal aliens to justice and removing them from American communities,” added the DHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs.
The Mayor defended his position, stating: “Nashville is strongest when we look out for one another. What’s clear today is that people who do not share our values of safety and community have the authority to cause deep community harm.” This rhetoric from the Mayor’s office has further widened the divide between federal immigration authorities and Nashville’s leadership regarding enforcement priorities and community impact.
