ennessee Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it a felony for state and local officials to release certain records involving immigration enforcement—and could even lead to the removal of officials who “interfere” with federal immigration efforts.
The legislation, Senate Bill 1464, was filed Monday in direct response to Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s Executive Order 30, which requires the Metro Nashville Police Department and Metro Council members to document and publicly disclose interactions with federal immigration authorities.
Related posts
In May, the city released a report that detailed 35 immigration-related interactions between Metro Police and federal agencies. Though the initial version included names of individuals such as a Metro Council member, an ICE analyst, and Homeland Security officers, those names were later redacted in the final public version.
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) demanded that Mayor O’Connell rescind the order, arguing it endangered law enforcement. O’Connell refused, saying the transparency policy ensures accountability and accuracy in public records.
“It helps make sure that nobody can accuse local, state, or federal entities of activity that did or did not occur,” O’Connell said.
Sexton, joined by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), responded by filing SB1464, which aims to:
-
Make it a Class E felony for officials to negligently release identifying information about officers involved in immigration enforcement;
-
Allow for removal from office (“outster”) for those who violate the law;
-
Expand confidentiality protections under the Tennessee Public Records Act to include undercover officers and sensitive enforcement activity;
-
Strengthen penalties for unauthorized disclosures of protected law enforcement information.
“Mayor O’Connell’s decision to release sensitive information undermines the rule of law, violates public trust, and jeopardizes the safety of those who protect our communities,” Sexton said. “Tennessee will not be a sanctuary for lawlessness.”
Sen. Johnson echoed that sentiment:
“The people of Tennessee expect their elected leaders to protect law enforcement—not endanger them. When a public official like Mayor O’Connell chooses political activism over public safety, he has no business holding office in this state.”
Sexton added that Tennessee “will not become California,” drawing a contrast between Nashville and liberal cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
SB1464 is set to be formally considered during the 2026 legislative session. The bill is co-sponsored by the entire Senate Republican leadership, including Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile, Republican Caucus Chairman Ken Yager, and Finance Committee Chairman Bo Watson.
