Tennessee Passes Bill Criminalizing Local Officials' Support for Sanctuary Policies

The legislation, aligned with Trump’s immigration agenda, introduces felony penalties for officials voting to adopt sanctuary city measures.

Tennessee's Senate Bill 6002 makes it a Class E felony for local officials to vote in favor of sanctuary city policies, punishable by up to six years in prison and/or a $3,000 fine.
The bill also establishes a Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division to coordinate with federal immigration authorities under Trump’s administration.
Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, is expected to sign the bill into law as part of his broader immigration enforcement agenda.
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argue the bill sets a dangerous precedent by penalizing elected officials for voting their conscience and could face constitutional challenges.
The legislation is part of a broader Republican push to support stricter immigration enforcement, reflecting a nationwide trend among GOP-led states.