(The Center Square) — An enforcement operation involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security components, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol resulted in 196 arrests, ICE said Tuesday.
Ninety-six of those arrested had prior criminal convictions and pending criminal charges, the agency said. Those with criminal records included an individual who had been removed from the U.S. six times and had convictions for felony domestic assault and sex with a minor. Others had convictions for rape, drug possession and reckless aggravated assault, the agency said.
Another 31 had previously been removed from the U.S. because they were here illegally.
“This enforcement effort underscores ICE’s unwavering commitment to public safety and the rule of law. Our officers are focused on identifying and removing individuals who pose a threat to the safety and security of Tennessee residents,” said acting ERO New Orleans Field Office Director Brian Acuna. “During the operation I witnessed the men and women of the Tennessee Highway Patrol carry out significant public safety efforts. The New Orleans Field Office is grateful for their support.”
The operation was criticized by some, including Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. He announced a new fund on May 5, two days after the initial arrest by ICE, that would help immigrants as part of a partnership with Metro Nashville and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
“What’s clear today is that people who do not share our values of safety and community have the authority to cause deep community harm,” O’Connell said. “Their approach is not our understanding of what a Nashville for All of Us looks like, and we’re grateful to our community partners who make all of our residents feel welcome.”
The Department of Homeland Security posted a snippet of O’Connell’s speech on its X page.
“Despite the success of this enforcement operation, the Nashville Mayor has claimed these operations were done by ‘people who do not share our values of safety,'” the department said in the post.
