NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — More than 100 people have reportedly been detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement since a "public safety operation" with Tennessee Highway Patrol started in Nashville last weekend, but local leaders are still looking for answers.

In a press conference on Friday, May 9, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell demanded transparency from ICE while local nonprofits are working to educate the public on their rights. O'Connell is also taking steps to improve communication within city departments moving forward.

THP said in a statement that their role is clear: enforce traffic laws fairly and consistently. They emphasized that stops are based on driver behavior rather than identity.

However, O'Connell is not convinced, so he's calling on ICE to release the names and charges of the 103 people detained in this operation. The mayor expressed how it is standard practice in Nashville to know who is in custody, adding that this situation should be no different.

"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says they've arrested people with criminal histories or criminal intent this week, but they have shown us no proof," O'Connell said. "We don't even know the names of who they've arrested, much less the charges. What we have seen is a violation of due process and the defiance of court orders."

O'Connell added that the Metro Nashville Police Department will continue working with THP, but not when it comes to deportation.

Nashville leaders said they weren't notified about the operation until Sunday, May 4, three days after the Department of Homeland Security initially requested extra patrols from the Department of Emergency Communications. The message was not relayed until later.

That lack of communication has prompted the mayor to issue an executive order to improve coordination with emergency departments moving forward.

"It is important for us to get this right, and it's very frustrating to have seen a failure in the process," O'Connell expressed. "We're going to work to make sure that doesn't happen again."

The Metro government's director of law, Wally Dietz, said officials are also exploring ways to alert the public when similar operations are underway in a way that follows federal law.

"It's really an open question of whether or not someone can announce in advance that there's an impending enforcement activity; that's something we're looking into," Dietz said.

Still, Nashville leaders admitted that their hands are tied.

"The short answer is yes, we are powerless," Dietz concluded. "We have absolutely no authority to instruct ICE not to carry out their enforcement actions. We have no authority to tell THP they cannot cooperate with ICE."

However, officials reminded community members that they still have rights, regardless of their immigration status.

The Tennessee Immigration and Refugee Rights Coalition echoed that message. On Friday, nearly 100 volunteers went door-to-door in South Nashville neighborhoods, passing out materials to ensure families know their rights.

"You have the right to remain silent," the government relations manager with TIRRC, Luis Mata, said. "Number two, you have the right to not open the door unless it is a warrant served by an immigration judge. There is also the right to record and document everything that is happening and the right to speak to an attorney, so that's the main rights that we're making sure that folks know, regardless of immigration status, that they are equipped with the resources and knowledge to best protect themselves and their families."

According to THP, as of Friday afternoon, this week's operation has resulted in 588 stops for observed traffic violations, including the following:

• Hazardous Moving Violations
• Four DUI arrests
• One child endangerment arrest
• One felony evading arrest
• Three drug arrests
• Six felony wanted persons

In addition, THP said ICE reported that a convicted child sex predator, a known Tren de Aragua gang member, and an MS-13 gang member wanted for aggravated murder out of El Salvador were among the 103 individuals ICE detained for further investigation.

"In cases where individuals were found to be in the country illegally, those matters were handled separately by ICE in accordance with federal law," THP stated.

If the recent ICE activity has affected you or a family member, TIRRC urges you to call its resource line at 615-414-1030 for legal information and resources. The coalition also shared this link to offer a review of constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement or ICE.

To donate to The Belonging Fund, an effort to support Nashville immigrants during moments of crisis, follow this link.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/we-are-powerless-nashville-officials-respond-to-recent-ice-activity/