2 Pieces Of Legislation That Mandate That All Tennessee Sheriff’s Departments Must Participate In The Federal 287(g) Program And Honor Immigration Detainer Holds Has Been Signed Into Law By Governor Lee.
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The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Legislation that requires Tennessee Sheriff’s departments who already have a memorandum of understanding in the 287(g) federal immigration program to “accept and honor” federal immigration detainers has been signed into law.
HB2018/SB1486, sponsored by Representative Mark Cochran (R-Englewood-District 23) and Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis-District 31), requires that these Sheriff’s departments comply with the conditions in ICE detainers to ensure that federal immigration authorities have enough time to take custody of individuals who would otherwise be released. This involves keeping illegal aliens in custody for an additional 48 hours.
In order to reduce the fiscal note of the legislation, and prevent it from getting stuck behind the budget, the Senate added an amendment that narrowed the scope of the legislation to only apply to those Sheriff’s departments already enrolled in the 287(g) program as opposed to all departments within the state. While this necessitated a return to the House, the amendment was concurred and then moved to Governor Bill Lee’s office for his signature.
While reducing the legislation’s scope appeared to weaken the proposed law, another piece of legislation (HB2219/SB2223) was passed by lawmakers requiring that all Tennessee Sheriff’s departments enter the 287(g) program ultimately fulfilling the original intent of HB2018/SB1486.
HB2219/SB2223, sponsored by Representative Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville-District 45) and Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin-District 27), was signed into law on Tuesday by Governor Bill Lee.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
