Department of Homeland Security defends immigration operation that netted nearly 200 arrests in Nashville, while directly challenging the city’s mayor over his criticism of federal law enforcement tactics.
Quick Takes
- ICE arrested 196 individuals in Nashville, with 95 having prior criminal convictions and 31 previously deported from the US
- DHS officials accused Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell of choosing to “protect illegal aliens” rather than citizens
- 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 growing criticism of the agency
- Mayor O’Connell launched a fund to support immigrants and signed an executive order to track interactions with federal immigration authorities
Federal Operation Targets Criminal Offenders
The Department of Homeland Security is pushing back firmly against Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell after he criticized a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation that resulted in nearly 200 arrests. According to DHS officials, the operation specifically targeted individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, including gang members, sex offenders, and those who had previously been deported from the United States. Of the 196 people arrested during the Nashville operation, 95 had prior criminal convictions, and 31 had previously been removed from the country and re-entered illegally – a felony offense under federal law.
In justifying the operation, DHS released details about five specific individuals with significant criminal histories who were apprehended during the enforcement action. These cases were highlighted to demonstrate the public safety threat posed by these individuals and to counter the mayor’s characterization of the operation as harmful to the community. The department emphasized that its primary goal was removing dangerous individuals from Nashville’s streets, not targeting the broader immigrant community as critics have suggested.
DHS Official Rebukes Nashville Mayor
The conflict between federal authorities and local officials escalated when DHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin directly criticized Mayor O’Connell’s response to the operation. The war of words underscores growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement priorities and local governments that have adopted more protective stances toward immigrant communities. Nashville city leaders claimed they were unaware of the operation before it occurred, despite DHS stating there had been prior communication regarding potential protests.
In a strongly worded statement, McLaughlin questioned why local officials would not support removing violent criminals from their communities. She pointed to what DHS described as a 413% increase in assaults on ICE officers, attributing this rise to what the department sees as demonization of federal immigration agents. The department also emphasized that the Biden-Harris administration’s policy focuses on prioritizing enforcement against those who pose threats to national security and public safety.
Mayor Launches Immigrant Support Fund
Following the ICE operation, Mayor O’Connell signed an executive order requiring city officials to track and report interactions with federal immigration authorities. He also partnered with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to establish the “Belonging Fund” – an initiative designed to support immigrants in Nashville with needs such as housing, childcare, and food security. The mayor’s actions reflect his stated commitment to making Nashville welcoming to all residents, regardless of immigration status.
“This operation resulted in getting gang members, sex offenders, and other violent criminals off Nashville’s streets. President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to stand with victims and the brave ICE agents who are on the frontlines making America safe again.” stated the Department of Homeland Security.
In his public statements, O’Connell characterized ICE agents as “people who do not share our values of safety and community” and claimed they have “the authority to cause deep community harm.” These comments further inflamed tensions with federal authorities, who maintain that their targeted enforcement actions enhance community safety by focusing on serious criminal offenders. Neither the mayor’s office nor DHS responded to additional requests for comment from various news outlets as the situation continues to develop.
Sources:
- DHS calls out Nashville mayor after 196 arrests made during ICE operation
- DHS fires back at blue-city mayor unhappy about ICE operation, provides rap sheets for those charged
