The Tennessee General Assembly has passed legislation that will prohibit the release of governments records related to federal immigration officials, and heightens criminal penalties for leaking such information.
Senate Bill (1464) by State Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) was passed by the Senate on March 9, and was sent to the State House for approval.
During an active immigration enforcement operation, the legislation creates a blanket ban on releasing names of federal officials. Once an operation is complete, the bill allows names to be released, but continues to prohibit the release of certain personal information. The prohibition will also remain in place for officers who are working in undercover rules, or if revealing an identity would cause a documented risk to safety.
It also prohibits the release of information about ongoing immigration operations, including where and when they will occur, as well as the strategies and logistics employed by federal law enforcement.
The version of the bill passed by the General Assembly additionally allows the release of federal officers’ names if they are involved in misconduct investigations, included in court records, or if a federal law or court orders such a release.
State or local officials who release information protected under the legislation through criminal negligence can be charged with a Class E felony, and if convicted, can face up to six years in a state prison. The bill also includes misdemeanor offenses for more minor releases of personal information.
Lawmakers in the State House amended their version to align with the version passed by their colleagues in the other chamber, and House Bill (HB) 2506 by State House Majority Leader Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) was ultimately passed on Thursday by the State House.
Lawmakers in the State House rejected an amendment that would have likely required more conferencing between both chambers to complete the legislation. With copies passed, the bill will now go to Governor Bill Lee for a signature. It will take effect on July 1.
The legislation comes months after the office of Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell was accused of doxxing federal immigration officers last year, during the joint operation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) that saw nearly 200 illegal aliens detained.
Republican leaders in the General Assembly introduced the bill as part of a legislative package focused on immigration in January.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Great… just what we need secret police in the land of the free.