Tennessee ICE operation sparks fear in immigrant communities as over 100 arrested under Trump deportation plan

A recent joint operation between US immigration department and the Tennessee highway patrol has resulted in the arrest of over 100 people, sparking concern and uncertainty within Nashville’s immigrant community.

The operation, which began on May 3, saw the Highway Patrol making 588 stops, of which 103 individuals were detained under suspicion of immigration violations, reported news agency Associated Press. The operation, which officials say was intended to improve public safety, resulted in the recovery of illegal drugs and firearms.

The operation has raised alarm, especially in Nashville, where local officials were caught off guard. Wally Dietz, Nashville’s law director, said that the city was unaware of the operation’s specifics. Republican governor Bill Lee, defend the initiative, citing a new law to bolster state immigration enforcement.

Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, labelled the operation as racial profiling, claiming the highway patrol has been stopping people for minor infractions like broken taillights or tinted windows in predominantly immigrant areas.

Luna argues that many individuals detained during the operation might have had a right to remain in the US if they had access to proper legal counsel. Instead, many are reportedly agreeing to deportation out of fear of prolonged detention.