Tennessee State Troopers and ICE arrested those violating federal immigration laws during a traffic enforcement operation in South Nashville. Community activists strongly condemned the operation, claiming it undermined trust and terrorized families. How is ICE undermining trust by arresting criminals without a lawful basis for being in the country?
Joint Operation Nets Significant Arrests
ICE agents, working alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol, conducted approximately 150 traffic stops in predominantly Latino neighborhoods of South Nashville. The operation resulted in 84 undocumented immigrants being arrested, with many allegedly having significant criminal backgrounds or outstanding removal orders.
Among those detained was a gang member and a 39-year-old Mexican national with multiple prior removals and felony convictions. Large charter buses were seen transporting detainees to federal immigration detention centers in Louisiana, raising concerns about due process and family separation.
BREAKING NEWS:
ICE, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and HSI rounded up busloads of illegals in Nashville overnight.
Who else voted for this? pic.twitter.com/c9DXB2YzDD
— Mila Joy (@MilaLovesJoe) May 5, 2025
Officials Clash Over Operation’s Purpose
ICE officials maintained that the operation was specifically focused on individuals who threaten public safety or national security. New Orleans Field Office Director Mellissa Harper stated, “Protecting the safety and security of our communities remains a top priority for ICE.”
Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed strong opposition to the operation, which occurred without coordination with local officials. “The trauma inflicted on families is long-lasting, and I’m doing everything in my power consistent with applicable law to protect anyone who calls Nashville home,” O’Connell declared.
Mayor @freddieoconnell on @TNHighwayPatrol + ICE terrorizing immigrant communities this weekend: “State & federal officials coordinated without us… their approach is not our understanding of what a NASHVILLE for all of us looks like.” pic.twitter.com/0kgFIu2Upk
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) May 5, 2025
Community Impact and Ongoing Enforcement
According to witness Gisselle Huerta, officers “just stopped them, asked them for paperwork, and if they didn’t have anything, they just took them.” The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition condemned the operation, stating it “shatters families, erodes trust in law enforcement, and leads to fear, trauma, and isolation that weakens the collective fabric of our community.”
The Metro Nashville Police Department and Davidson County Sheriff’s Office notably did not participate in the operation. Despite significant protests at the ICE field office and widespread criticism, operations reportedly continued into the following week with additional stops on Monday night and Tuesday morning.