The Tennessee State Senate is ready for a final vote on legislation that could see state judges removed from the bench for refusing to allow U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce federal immigration law at courthouses.
Already passed as House Bill (HB) 1707 by State Representative Rick Scarbrough (R-Oak Ridge), the legislation would mandate Tennessee judges cooperate with DHS, as well as federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and allow any judge who obstructs immigration enforcement to be referred to the Board of Judicial Conduct.
Should the board determine a judge engaged in misconduct by blocking enforcement of federal immigration laws in a courtroom, the Tennessee Constitution enables the General Assembly to remove the jurist through a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
The State Senate received the House version of the bill on Monday, and on Wednesday, it was advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 7-2 vote. It is now awaiting a final vote in the State Senate and, if successful, will be sent to Governor Bill Lee’s desk for his signature into law.
Originally introduced in January as part of the slate of immigration legislation lawmakers said would make Tennessee a national model for cooperation with federal officials, the legislation was significantly amended in the State House, laying out the path for the board to review judges who take steps to block federal immigration enforcement in courthouses.
The legislation was filed shortly after the high-profile conviction of former Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan in Wisconsin, who resigned in January.
Dugan was originally arrested last year after she directed federal immigration officers away from an illegal alien, who she allowed to flee her courtroom through a private jury door. A federal judge denied Dugan’s attempt to overturn the guilty verdict on Monday.
“We see other states that are impeding the efforts of our federal immigration officers,” said Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) when the slate of immigration legislation was announced in January. “We have governors and other elected officials in other states that are trying to stop the federal government from getting violent illegal aliens out of their communities.”
He added, “We are sending a very strong message today, with this legislative package, that in Tennessee, we want to be the model for the nation.”
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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].
Good legislation.