Image Credit: Gov. Bill Lee / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Governor Bill Lee has officially signed into Tennessee law a bill which creates a Class A misdemeanor for any illegal alien with a final removal order who refuses to leave the state within 90 days of when their final order was issued.
HB1704 was part of an immigration package created by the legislature under advisement from the Trump administration aimed at taking a more aggressive and direct approach to combatting illegal immigration in Tennessee.
The legislation moved through the committee process along party lines, ultimately passing the House 73-22 and the clearing the Senate 26-6 with continued Democrat objections and claims the new law could open the state to lawsuits, though Republican leadership has remained confident the bill will stand up to any judicial scrutiny.
“What we’re trying to do with this legislation is empower our local and state law enforcement in the event that that deportation order has been issued and [the alien] chooses to remain in the state of Tennessee, then they can be charged with a state crime, Class A misdemeanor, for being in the state of Tennessee when a lawful deportation order has been issued,” bill sponsor Sen. Jack Johnson previously said.
House sponsor Rep. William Lamberth has also defended the legislation from Democrat objections saying, “At some point, we have to get past the rhetoric and to the truth of the matter. There are violent people that have violated the laws of the federal government and these United States to come to this country… Not every single person who comes to this country is a good person and wants to buy into what the United States of America is. Some of them want to commit murder, rape, and robbery. I will stand against those individuals, and I would ask that you stand with us against them. It’s not xenophobia, it’s protecting our citizens from illegal immigrants that would commit crimes against them.”
With the Governor’s signature, the law takes effect July 1, 2026.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
GOOD!!, thanx! Returnees need permanent dispatch too.