TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Nov 13, 2025

Since January, Tennessee has seen one of the nation’s largest expansions of local immigration enforcement partnerships, growing from just two to 48 law enforcement agencies under federal 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Tennessee Lookout reports that the deals now include sheriffs, small-town police, constables and state highway patrol officers, significantly widening the reach of federal immigration enforcement across the state. Supporters say the agreements promote public safety and uphold immigration law, while critics warn they encourage racial profiling and divert police from local priorities. The Trump administration and Tennessee lawmakers have offered financial incentives — including salary reimbursements, equipment funding and grants — to enter into one of three model agreements: jail enforcement, warrant service officer or task force.