The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), a Nashville-based nonprofit that has condemned the recent immigration enforcement operation in the area, was previously asked by federal agencies under the Biden administration to facilitate the release of thousands of illegal immigrants into the Volunteer State.
As news emerged that the joint operation by Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal immigrants living in the Nashville area had resulted in nearly 100 arrests, TIRRC Executive Director Lisa Sherman Luna reportedly accused the state and federal law enforcement agencies of “terrorizing our communities” by “kidnapping our people off the street based on nothing but the color of their skin.”
Federal and state authorities have explained that THP officers are enforcing standard traffic laws with ICE nearby for drivers who may be in the country illegally, or who might have a pending order for removal. Federal authorities then detain such drivers for potential deportation.
The nonprofit also posted a statement condemning the immigration enforcement to its social media accounts, branding the arrests arbitrary, calling them “another unconscionable act of cruelty and abuse of power by ICE collaborating with state law enforcement.”
It also revealed, “community organizers, advocates, and organizations are on the ground supporting the impacted families,” and in another post to social media, appeared to offer advise to illegal immigrants who may be subject to deportation.
Everyone deserves the freedom to make a better life for their family and get home safe. Our statement on May 4, 2025 ICE + Tennessee Highway Patrol immigration enforcement operation in South Nashville. Read more at https://t.co/65tVuJ6hlz pic.twitter.com/E9u8iVH9Cb
— TIRRC (@tnimmigrant) May 4, 2025
“We are aware of several reports of heavy ICE and Tennessee Highway Patrol activity tonight,” wrote TIRRC in a Spanish-language post to Facebook made early on Friday morning. “It appears to be a big one. If you’re able, please stay home and remember your constitutional rights.”
Despite being a nonprofit, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell referenced TIRRC in his press conference after the recent law enforcement operation when he explained their role in the city’s response.
While TIRRC now appears to be actively undermining the ICE and THP operation in Middle Tennessee, the group was previously considered a possible ally for ICE in 2022, under former President Joe Biden, when communications published by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, who sued to stop the Biden administration from completing its plan to work with nonprofits and release illegal immigrants from a Louisiana detention facility into Tennessee.
“I’m following up on whether your organization or partner(s) could be interested in supporting released noncitizens,” wrote an ICE official to TIRRC on December 6, 2022.
TIRRC’s executive director replied by requesting a meeting for the next day. Additional emails show the meeting occurred and that TIRRC was willing to facilitate the releases for ICE.
“Thank you for the meeting time this am and answering some crucial questions for us. As discussed, we really believe this conversation should be had with the Tennessee Governor,” the TIRCC representative told ICE. “I will circle back soon with more information about TIRRC’s capacity to support new arrivals in Tennessee.”
Skrmetti’s legal action was ultimately successful, and the attorney general announced a victory over the Biden administration’s plans last October.
During the same year, the Biden administration asked TIRRC for help relocating illegal immigrants; tax records reveal the organization received more than $800,000 in government grants.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Terrorizing criminal invaders? Time to break up, arrest and jail the ring leaders of the TIRRC.
Non profit is a Democrat euphemism for theft.
TIRRC, Tennessee doesn’t need you. Metro council needs a shorter leash.
Wonder how much this NGO has stolen from the taxpayers?
Non-profit….what a joke. These organizations cause more problems globally than even the UN. I wonder how much money they were receiving from the criminal Biden admin, given what we have learned from Doge I bet it was quite a lot.
find someone who loves you like dems love criminals
The problem with liberals like Freddy is they listen to all these special lunches groups. I’m not the average person in Nashville who doesn’t want the illegals here. This is one of the reasons crime is so bad in Nashville is because bleeding heart liberals let everybody off for serious crimes and never enforce the laws. Go ahead. Freddy, try to interfere with the federal government and see where your butt ends up in jail. I hope. Nashville needs to be taken over by the state. It’s completely takes the mayor into council out of decision making, especially on finances and the running of the police department. This doesn’t happen anytime soon. Nashville will become no better than Seattle. Portland Chicago or New York City. Just another liberal dump in a red State.