Rep Salinas Bills Limit ICE in Schools
- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has characterized the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by federal agents as an "act of domestic terrorism," alleging the driver...
- In Tennessee, a bill is being proposed to increase cooperation with civil immigration enforcement, though it faces challenges given the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly.
- It's hard to see and engage with other elected officials when we're out of session.
A Memphis lawmaker wants to limit Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) presence in schools in Tennessee.
House Bill 1482, proposed by Democratic Tennessee State Rep. Gabby Salinas, would prohibit ICE from entering school campuses and require the state to notify staff, students, and security about thier rights when addressed by federal agents, unless agents provide prior notice or respect specific limitations.
The bill aims to prohibit the use of certain public properties, schools, and religious institutions for certain civil immigration enforcement activities. The Trump administration rescinded a longstanding policy that prevented ICE officials from conducting arrests of undocumented individuals at schools, houses of worship, hospitals, or othre so-called “sensitive locations.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has characterized the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by federal agents as an “act of domestic terrorism,” alleging the driver had been “stalking, impeding, and blocking” ICE officers for hours leading up to the incident.
In Tennessee, a bill is being proposed to increase cooperation with civil immigration enforcement, though it faces challenges given the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly. State Representative Gloria Salinas, a Democrat, emphasized the bill’s importance as the legislature reconvenes and prepares to introduce a series of related measures.
“Tennessee is a very long state. It’s hard to see and engage with other elected officials when we’re out of session. So this is just the beginning,” Salinas stated. “I just filed a bill earlier this week. So we are just getting started in our legislative session, but this is an important part of our legislative agenda.”
Furthermore, Tennessee Republicans have reportedly been in communication with Trump administration officials to further immigration enforcement priorities. According to Knox News,Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton initiated conversations with Stephen Miller,former President Trump’s deputy chief of staff and key figure in deportation policy,even before ICE agents arrived in Memphis last year.