Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After the House revisited a bill which will require Tennessee Sheriffs’ departments who already have a memorandum of understanding in the 287(g) federal immigration program “accept and honor” federal immigration detainers, it will now become Tennessee law as both chambers have agreed on the language.
HB2018 requires these Sheriffs to comply with the conditions in ICE detainers, including keeping an illegal alien in custody for 48 hours beyond the time the subject would have otherwise been released to ensure there is enough time for federal immigration authorities to take custody of the subject before they are allowed back into the community.
While the original bill applied these conditions to all law enforcement agencies with a holding facility, the Senate added an amendment which narrowed the scope to only Sheriffs’ departments already enrolled in the 287(g) program, helping to reduce the bill’s fiscal note and allow the legislation to move forward without getting stuck behind the budget.
As the House version passed first and did not include this amendment, the chamber had to revisit the legislation and vote on whether to accept the revised language.
The House concurred with the amendment 76-18 along party lines, and the bill can now move to Governor Lee for signature into law.
While the amendment reducing the scope may seem to weaken the legislation at first glance, it was likely amenable to bill sponsors because another piece of legislation is progressing which would require all Tennessee Sheriffs’ department to enter the 287(g) program, ultimately subjecting every Sheriff’s department to the parameters of HB2018 and accomplishing the original intent of the bill.
About the Author: 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.
