Tennessee Rep Criticizes Nashville Mayor's ICE Policies as 'Aiding and Abetting Illegal Immigration'

A Republican lawmaker from Tennessee is intensifying scrutiny of Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s approach to federal immigration enforcement, announcing a formal request for a federal investigation into the mayor’s alleged interference with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

Congressman Andy Ogles, who represents Tennessee's Fifth District, revealed via social media this week that he has the backing of the House Judiciary Committee in seeking all documents and communications from O’Connell’s office relating to the mayor’s purported protection of undocumented immigrants. Central to Ogles’ request is information linked to the amendment of Executive Order 30, which, according to Ogles, compels city employees and first responders to immediately report all contact with federal immigration authorities directly to the mayor’s office.

Ogles is demanding documentation covering a broad range of activities:

• Internal discussions about ICE enforcement in Nashville and Davidson County
• Correspondence between Metro employees and affiliated nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) regarding the arrest or detention of individuals accused of immigration violations
• Any materials pertaining to the execution of the amended executive order

In a recorded announcement, Ogles accused Mayor O’Connell of obstructing efforts to remove dangerous criminals from the community. “We’ve heard it: the individuals that the mayor is standing with are murderers, rapists, drug traffickers, sexual predators, child traffickers…the list goes on,” Ogles stated, affirming his intention to support federal immigration enforcement and vowing continued pursuit of the matter.

Ogles further suggested that both the Homeland Security and Judiciary committees would review whether any federal resources were used in ways that might constitute aiding and abetting illegal immigration. “I will not back down. I will not relent, and I will always stand with law enforcement,” he added.

The call for an investigation follows a letter Ogles sent earlier this month urging a closer look at what he described as "pro-illegal policies" supported by Mayor O’Connell. The mayor's office has not issued a public response to the allegations or requests for comment.

Tensions in the city have mounted following recent enforcement actions, during which ICE agents working with the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested nearly 200 people whom the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified as undocumented immigrants — many reportedly with alleged criminal backgrounds or gang affiliations.

After these arrests, O’Connell issued an executive order requiring the tracking of interactions between city employees and federal immigration officials. In a message to the community, O’Connell expressed concern that such enforcement actions might undermine public safety and erode trust in local police, emphasizing that Metropolitan Nashville Police Department personnel were not involved in the ICE operation and do not possess federal immigration authority or access to relevant databases.

“Our top priority is keeping people safe, and we’re deeply concerned that what appear to be federal actions are making that harder,” O’Connell wrote. He indicated that the city would seek details about those detained.

According to DHS, those apprehended in the Nashville operation included individuals with convictions for crimes such as child sexual assault and aggravated assault, as well as suspected members of violent gangs. Federal officials publicly chastised Mayor O’Connell for criticizing ICE’s efforts, stating that removing "criminal illegal aliens" is essential for public safety. ICE also cited a rise in assaults against its officers as evidence of growing risks associated with their work.

The debate in Nashville reflects broader national tensions over the role of local versus federal authorities in immigration enforcement and the balance between community trust and public safety. As House Republicans escalate their demands for accountability from local officials, the outcome of the investigation could set an important precedent for similar disputes elsewhere.