NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Members of the public spoke up about a Metro Councilmember's statements regarding immigration.

Metro Councilmember David Benton, who represents District 28, was present at a press conference with Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles wherein Ogles confirmed a federal investigation into the Nashville Mayor's Office over allegedly "aiding and abetting" illegal immigration. At the press conference, Benton also called for a state or federal audit of the Belonging Fund to "clarify whether any funds are inadvertently supporting" illegal immigration.

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee had established the Belonging Fund in conjunction with Metro Nashville following Immigrations and Customs Enforcement activitiy in the city. According to Metro, it's meant to give money to nonprofit organizations helping with things like housing instability, childcare or other urgent needs — but not legal services. The CFMT has said that no government dollars have been used for the fund, just donations from individuals or private organizations.

“Stop making a mockery of Memorial Day. Defend Nashville. Defend Tennessee. Defend this country, and stop the invasion,” Benton said during the press conference.

Additionally, Metro Council's Immigrant Caucus posted a statement about Benton's press conference, criticizing other remarks he made about immigration and "invasion."

"Councilmember Benton does not deserve to hold public office," the statement reads, in part. "His conduct and comments are unbecoming of an elected official, particularly one representing a district with a significant Latino population."

"Antioch bows to no council member, to no Congressman, to no king," Trent Benge, an Antioch resident, said at Tuesday night's meeting. "Councilmember Benton must resign, and if he won't, we've got our work cut out for us."

News 2 received the following statement from Benton:

"I appreciate everyone having a right to their point of view, including myself. It’s important that both sides respect each other enough to respond to what they say and not what they heard they said. Here’s what some ignored to make their point. I have always said I support Legal immigration 100%. I love all my constituents and answer every call without asking someone’s race or immigration status. That’s up to law enforcement. Organizations standing against me should use that energy helping their members learn the path to legal status to avoid immigration enforcement. If citizens, entities, or other people even encourage an illegal alien to remain in the U.S. they are violating US code 1324 and can be arrested themselves. That was bipartisan legislation from 1995 supported by Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer. I understand some in my community are afraid. As much as I care, I must support Federal law enforcement. The State is developing an immigration department as well.

We as leaders should not be cruel and give these in danger of enforcement actions a false sense of security that we have the authority to shield them from Immigration enforcement. I would also encourage these leaders to give me their list of laws they want me to ignore. I will continue to serve everyone in my District as I have been doing."

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/antioch-bows-to-no-council-member-some-constituents-call-for-metro-councilmembers-resignation-following-immigration-remarks/