NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles is pushing ahead with his intention to open an investigation into Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell.

O’Connell has openly criticized a recent "joint safety operation" in Davidson County conducted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials. The mayor's commentary, among other actions, led Ogles to claim that he and other Metro officials “blatantly obstructed” ICE from doing their job.

Ogles has ramped up attacks across his social media platforms Thursday. 

“What we’ve seen is Homeland Security [and] ICE [are] doing a fantastic job across this country — investigating and deporting, primarily, illegal criminals,” Ogles said on Capitol Hill. “Some would even call them terrorists — murderers, rapists [and] child traffickers ... Unfortunately, the mayor has put out some statements indicating that there may be some interference from the city and from nonprofit organizations funded by the city, so we’re going to take a look at it and we'll see what happens next.”

Ogles added that O’Connell “should be prosecuted” and that he has “crossed a dangerous line” with his actions. As for the mayor, O'Connell's office told News 2 the office has “nothing to add” at the time.

“I think it’s fair to ask who’s the people: you did arrest, and where are they?” Metro Councilmember Bob Nash said. “I spent 33 years on the police department. I locked up a bunch of folks, and every one I locked up had to go before a magistrate, where I had to prove that I at least had probable cause to make that arrest. And that person would go to the jail and have an opportunity to make a phone call, let his family know where he was and what was happening. And that’s all we’re asking for: some decent due process.” 

Nash believes the “shock and awe” of last week’s operation has led to a divide between some in the community and law enforcement.

“I would have liked to see a more surgical approach — get the names of the people you’re really after,” said Nash. "...Andy Ogles would be much better [off] spending his time trying to get a bipartisan immigration reform bill, in my opinion, rather than trying to come after the mayor for nothing."

Nash said he does not expect anything to come from Ogles' request. 

Ogles said that as of publication, he has not had any communication with Metro Government.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/were-going-to-take-a-look-tn-congressman-doubles-down-on-call-for-investigation-into-nashville-mayor/