TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jul 13, 2026

Sheriff's departments in Tennessee have formed at least 23 new partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICE) since enactment of a new state law requiring county sheriffs to cooperate with ICE or forfeit state funding, the Tennessean reports. Another six city police departments reportedly have signed agreements as well. Collaborating with federal law enforcement through an ICE 287(g) partnership allows ICE to delegate some limited immigration enforcement to local law enforcement agencies. Historically, participation has been optional. Currently, 94 local law enforcement agencies in Tennessee have 287(g) agreements with ICE, most of which were created in the last 12 months. In May, Davidson County Sheriff issued a statement saying the new law pertains only to certain sheriffs and does not apply to Davidson County.