Following the advocacy of State Representative Lee Reeves (R-Franklin), the city of Fairview is considering a resolution that would authorize its police department to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the 287(g) Task Force Model, making it the first municipality in Tennessee to pursue such an agreement.
City Commissioner Don Bufalini is sponsoring the resolution, which is scheduled to appear on the Fairview City Commission’s agenda next Tuesday. If approved, the measure would allow the Fairview Police Department to begin working toward a formal agreement with ICE, enhancing its ability to identify and detain individuals in the country illegally.
“We’re putting this resolution on the agenda because the people of Fairview deserve a police department with every available tool to keep them safe,” Bufalini told The Tennessee Star. “The 287(g) Task Force Model will strengthen our ability to work with federal partners and enforce immigration law responsibly and locally.”
State Rep. Reeves, whose 65th District includes Fairview, voiced support for the proposal and praised local leadership for taking initiative. Reeves is additionally leading the charge around Tennessee to encourage localities and local sheriff’s work with the Trump Administration by partnering with ICE utilizing the 287(g) agreements.
Reeves told The Star, “Nashville’s refusal to cooperate with ICE has made it a magnet for lawlessness. Fairview is choosing safety, order, and the rule of law.”
Under the 287(g) Task Force Model, local officers who receive ICE training are authorized to perform certain immigration enforcement duties in the field, including questioning individuals about their immigration status and initiating removal proceedings.
The resolution, if adopted, would mark the first time a Tennessee city — rather than a county sheriff’s department or state agency — initiates such a partnership.
The Fairview Police Department is expected to present a follow-up report to the commission in July, with final approval of a Memorandum of Agreement with ICE anticipated this fall.
ICE currently has 287(g) agreements with several Tennessee counties, including Knox, Putnam, and Hamilton. While supporters say the program improves public safety, critics argue it could strain local budgets and lead to overreach by smaller departments.
Reeves dismissed those concerns, noting that “ICE pays for training, and state grants can help with implementation. Fairview taxpayers won’t be footing the bill — but they will be safer.”
The resolution is expected to draw public comment at Tuesday’s meeting.
– – –
Christina Botteri is the Executive Editor of The Tennessee Star and Star News Network.
They should put his ass in jail for this !!! If the table was turned they would put us there.
All Tennessee municipalities should join ICE in their effort to free Tennessee of ALL illegals.