Senate Committee Advances Bill Requiring Participation By All Tennessee Sheriffs In Federal Immigration Program

Image Credit: TN General Assembly

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

On Wednesday, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed a bill which will mandate participation in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program by all 95 county Sheriffs’ departments in Tennessee.

Sponsored by Sen. Jack Johnson, the amended version of SB2223 stipulates that sheriffs must participate in the 287(g) program under one of its three program models and provides a statewide procedure for handling detainees awaiting transfer to federal custody.

Tennessee already passed a bill last year allowing local law enforcement agencies to willingly enter the 287(g) partnership and providing financial incentives to do so, but this bill expands upon that legislation by requiring the participation exclusively for sheriffs.

Special Session Immigration Bill Sails Through Senate Committees Despite Controversial Amendment Attempts

Under SB2223, Sheriff’s departments could choose between the 287(g) program’s Jail Enforcement Model, Warrant Service Officer Model, or Task Force Model which allows certified officers to identify and process removable aliens, place immigration detainers and imitate removal proceedings, and ensure transfer to ICE depending on which model the department enters.

Agencies that do not enter into the agreement could have state funds withheld.

The bill would not apply to constables as they are separately authorized officers under Tennessee law, and participation by municipal police departments remains optional.

Additionally, the legislation now also includes a sunset provision, ending the mandatory participation requirement in 2029 so the General Assembly can review the efficacy and operations of the policy to determine whether it should be continued or modified.

In addressing the committee Wednesday, Sen. Johnson thanked the Sheriffs’ Association, representing Sheriffs across the state, which helped rework and adapt the bill to make it acceptable to its members. He also noted that since last year’s bill encouraging 287(g) participation, more than 50 Tennessee law enforcement agencies have entered the program.

More Tennessee Law Enforcement Agencies Enter Partnerships With ICE

Democrat Sen. Jeff Yarbro proposed two additional amendments to the bill, one which would have essentially gutted it by changing the requirement for participation in 287(g) to an optional provision and stripping away the potential for funding to be withheld and the second placing constraints and restrictions on immigration enforcement officers and operations.

Both amendments were tabled by the committee.

“For me, with the cooperation of the Sheriffs’ Association, have arrived at a really good place to make sure that we are doing all we can at all levels of law enforcement to make sure that we’re working together to make our communities safer. That’s what the legislation does,” said Sen. Johnson before the committee’s final vote.

The committee voted 6-3 in favor of the legislation, with Republican Todd Gardenhire joining the two committee Democrats to vote “No”. SB2223 now moves to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee before it can reach the full Senate.

In the House, companion bill HB2219 is on the House State & Local Government Committee calendar for Tuesday, March 31. If you support this legislation, use the information below to contact committee members:

House State & Local Government Committee– HB2219 to be heard March 31

HB2219 requires Sheriffs to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program.

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.

Senate Committee Advances Bill Requiring Participation By All Tennessee Sheriffs In Federal Immigration Program