Nashville Families Fear ICE Raids as Border Czar Plans Increased Enforcement

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell is under investigation by Congress regarding his response to the recent arrests of nearly 200 immigrants in the city.

Border Czar Tom Homan announced his plans to increase enforcement in Middle Tennessee, stating, “We’re going to flood the zone with agents. We’ll flood the zone in neighborhoods to find the bad guy… and he’s not going to stop us.” Homan also indicated he plans to visit Nashville soon.

The enforcement actions have caused significant stress for immigrant families, many of whom worry who will care for their children if they are detained. A mother identified as Andrea shared her distressing experience telling her youngest son that she might not come home one day. “He said he would cry a lot if that were to happen,” Andrea recalled.

Andrea, who came to the U.S. on a visa eight years ago, emphasized that returning to her home country is not an option. “My children only know the U.S. and primarily speak English,” she said.

With guidance from her pastor, Andrea has organized a power of attorney letter to ensure her children’s safety if she is detained. Martha Silva, executive director of a local nonprofit, noted that there has been an increase in requests for similar arrangements among immigrant families.

“This is not parents losing custody of their kids. It’s about having a family plan in case of an emergency,” Silva explained.

Silva did not disclose specific numbers regarding children separated from their parents but expressed concern about their overall well-being. “How healthy is it for any child to live in fear, the fear and trauma of losing your parents?” she asked.

She also pointed out that older siblings are often stepping into parental roles, shouldering responsibilities such as providing income and managing household tasks due to the absence of detained parents. Silva emphasized the strain this places on youth, altering their growth and potential.

In related news, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced a bill aimed at protecting the identities of federal law enforcement officials, including ICE agents. The “Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act” would prohibit publishing officer names with the intent to obstruct immigration operations.

Blackburn criticized Mayor O’Connell for a report that inadvertently revealed some ICE agents’ names, leading to concerns about their safety. O’Connell maintains that the details were unintentional and has since corrected the report.