Tennessee deports 18,530 Illegals in partnership with ICE, builds nation’s strongest state-level enforcement system
NASHVILLE — Tennessee House Republican leaders on Tuesday praised the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for successfully removing more than 18,530 illegal immigrants from the Volunteer State since January 2025.
“Tennessee will not become a sanctuary state for illegal immigration, said Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville. “We will always stand with law enforcement to preserve the safety and well-being of our communities. I applaud President Trump and his administration, and Governor Lee for their firm commitment to protecting our borders, supporting our immigration laws, and holding those accountable who break those laws. We will ensure our public benefits are only for those who are citizens and who come into our country legally.”
Republican leaders emphasized the enforcement surge has prioritized removal of criminal illegal aliens, including individuals convicted of violent felonies, sexual battery and drug trafficking, who were identified and taken into custody through 287(g) partnerships throughout the state.
The results reflect a coordinated strategy between the Tennessee General Assembly and the Trump Administration to enforce federal law, protect public safety and end policies that previously attracted illegal immigrants into the Volunteer State.
The number of deportations confirms Tennessee’s strategy is working.
“Every one of these removals represents a Tennessee community made safer,” said House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland. “Simply put, if you’re in Tennessee illegally, you will be removed. And we will continue providing our law enforcement partners with every tool they need to finish the job.”
Tennessee built the nation’s strongest state-level enforcement system by establishing the state’s Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division within the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, strengthening coordination among state, local, and federal immigration authorities.
Since its creation, 287g participation has grown sharply, from a handful of agencies in 2024 to 142 currently.
Led by Sexton, the Republican supermajority further enacted a series of laws establishing a state framework to identify removable aliens, honor ICE detainers, expand 287(g) partnerships, and eliminate loopholes and taxpayer-funded benefits that act as magnets for illegal immigration.
Deputy House Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, said Tennessee’s increased enforcement is a win for both public safety and taxpayer protection.
“While Democrats support a system that subsidizes waste, fraud, and abuse, puts families and communities at risk, and encourages lawlessness, Republicans’ approach ensures our citizens’ safety, and that your tax dollars are well-managed and resources are reserved for those who are legally in our great state,” Zachary said.
The 114th General Assembly advanced a first-in-the-nation package designed to demagnetize Tennessee:
- Required county sheriffs to enter 287(g) agreements with federal immigration officials.
- Directed law enforcement to honor ICE detainers and hold illegal immigrants for up to 48 hours.
- Ended sanctuary-court practices
- Established state criminal penalties for illegals who remain in Tennessee after a final order of removal.
- Required government employers to verify work authorization through E-Verify.
- Required written driver’s license exams to be administered in English.
- Barred illegal immigrants from receiving professional licenses.
- Established criminal penalties for illegals driving a commercial motor vehicle in Tennessee
The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference released its annual Immigration Enforcement Report for 2025 in January. The report documented 21,648 criminal charges involving individuals confirmed to be unlawfully present in the United States or whose citizenship status could not be verified.
The data was compiled from 11,344 reports submitted by local law enforcement agencies in 94 of 95 Tennessee counties between Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025.
The 115th Tennessee General Assembly convenes Jan. 12 at noon.
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