Overview

• ICE's weeklong enforcement operation in Nashville, beginning May 3, resulted in 196 arrests, including 101 individuals with no criminal records.
• Managers at three restaurants owned by Trump donor Steve Smith, including Kid Rock's licensed steakhouse, instructed undocumented workers to leave mid-shift during heightened ICE activity on May 10.
• The abrupt departure of undocumented staff caused severe understaffing and service breakdowns at the restaurants, which persisted into May 11 as workers stayed home in fear of detention.
• Nashville officials, including the mayor, have condemned the raids, but the city's legal director emphasized that local government lacks the authority to counter federal immigration actions.
• The operation highlights the dependence of high-profile establishments on undocumented labor, even as their owners publicly back strict immigration policies.