Image Credit: Gov. Bill Lee / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After initially issuing noncommittal statements, Governor Bill Lee appears to be boldening his stance in preparing for mass illegal alien deportations under the Trump administration in 2025 and is now receiving criticism from several immigrant rights groups.
In speaking to the press last week, Lee stated he was “supportive” of Trump’s deportation strategies but did not clarify if he would mobilize the national guard or take any other actions at the state level to help the Trump administration achieve the removals.
Lee also said that President-elect Trump has yet to make any specific requests of the state, but he communicated to Trump’s team that Tennessee, “stands ready to work alongside” them. He then quickly changed the subject to promote his upcoming school choice bill.
Now, it appears Lee may be taking more direct action by stating, “key state agencies to begin making preparations & stand by ready on Day 1 to support President Trump’s efforts to secure our Nation’s borders & keep communities safe,” according to an X post from Dec. 16.
This could be indicative that Lee intends to activate National Guard troops and utilize highway patrol and other officers to assist in the deportation of illegal aliens throughout the state.
Also, according to the Republican Governor’s Association, 26 governors, including Lee, released a joint statement declaring they are, “united in support of President Donald Trump’s unwavering commitment to make America safe again by addressing the illegal immigration crisis and deporting illegal immigrants who pose a threat to our communities and national security.”
Immigrant rights groups are condemning Lee’s stance and willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration, claiming the use of local law enforcement agencies and the national guard is an “overstep” and, “sets a dangerous precedent for all Tennesseans.”
The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), led by immigrants and refugees aiming to make Tennessee “more inclusive”, acknowledges the US Census Bureau statistics showing that just over 6% of Tennessee’s almost 7 million residents are foreign-born with 62.4% of that group not having US citizenship, yet insist that removing those here illegally is a waste of money and is “not just a moral disaster, but an economic one.”
The coalition also insinuated they would act against the deportations, asserting they are, “ready to defend our communities and protect one another,” calling to question if they will elevate to violent riots or protests like those propagated by the Black Lives Matters movement after the death of George Floyd.
Some constituents in favor of the deportations are also offering critiques of Lee as they believe he should have been addressing the immigration crisis in Tennessee during the past four years is his tenure as Governor instead of waiting to use the Trump administration as a catalyst.
One X user wrote, “You have been the governor in a state controlled by RINOs and you are going to now do something if Trump tells you to. TN should have ZERO illegals but you have rolled out the welfare mat. All RINOs must be primaried!!!!”
“You enabled illegal aliens to fly into every major city in TN in the middle of the night over the past 3 years,” stated another.
“We have been flooded with illegals thanks to your impotence, rino,” added another commentor.
Several other states and agencies have been outspoken in their support and plans to aid the mass deportations, like the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) who wholeheartedly endorsed the plans of Trump and incoming “border czar” Tom Homan.
The Tennessee Conservative has extensively reported on the illegal immigration catastrophe, including Republican leadership’s failure to make any lasting or impactful efforts to secure the state.
However the action is finally achieved, it is certain that Tennesseans will be better off with the removal of illegal migrants as they continue to wreak havoc against the life, liberty, and property of citizens across the state and nation.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
