NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Nashville Friday to highlight ICE operations in Tennessee and how the federal government is doubling down on deportation efforts.

Noem told reporters about some of the "worst of the worst" recently arrested under the Trump Administration, including gang members charged and/or convicted of violent crimes, including rape and murder. “All of these criminals are evil. They’re horrible human beings," Noem said.

According to ICE data, since June 10, ICE agents have arrested nearly 2,700 people in Tennessee. More than 80% of those arrested have either criminal charges or convictions. However, the seriousness of their crimes is unclear.

Noem also called out Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell for not helping the federal government in their efforts. She accused him of "doxing ICE agents" and putting their lives at risk.

“He needs to stop and knock it off and grow up and act like a leader and start sending his law enforcement officers to have our backs, because what we are doing is upholding the law," Noem said.

At a separate press conference Friday, O'Connell told reporters Metro police has worked with federal and state partners for years to address violent crime.

“We’ve had significant investigations and arrests for anybody involved in violent crimes, illegal weapons, drug trafficking, human trafficking, gang activity, including MS-13," O'Connell said. "We are strongly focused on a safety-driven agenda, and one that is not focused on separation, so we have not had any conversations with the secretary or DHS about any of this. We are continuing to do things the Nashville way.” 

Noem also accused Belmont University of obstructing federal immigration law after the conservative website, Townhall, obtained leaked, hidden camera videos of what it reports is a Belmont employee discussing illegal immigrants enrolled in the school.

“As you know, they have openly said that they will house illegal immigrants on their campus and do that in defiance of the federal government," Noem said.

Noem told reporters the federal government will send dozens more ICE agents to Nashville, which she called a sanctuary city, along with more investigative resources, thanks to funding provided by President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill."

“We will continue to fight for the families that live here and make sure that these child pedophiles, these rapists, and these murderers are off our streets," Noem said.

Noem was also pressed on why ICE hasn't released many of the names of those arrested by agents. The secretary told reporters the government is following the law and ensuring everyone has due process.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-politics/dhs-secretary-details-ice-operations-in-tn/