FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TIRRC VOTES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SB2576/HB2124

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2024

CONTACT

Media@tirrcvotes.org

TIRRC VOTES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SB2576/HB2124

NASHVILLE— Today, the state Senate voted to pass SB2576/HB2124, a piece of legislation which, according to sponsor Senator Brent Taylor, aims to require local police work with ICE whenever a person is detained or stopped, though the broadness of the bill has created confusion among members of the General Assembly as well as legal experts.

During discussion on the bill, the sponsor and other proponents of the bill used inflammatory, anti-immigrant language to justify the its passing, including comparing undocumented immigrants to bank robbers and stating, “their very existence is illegal.” Video of the Senate floor session will be made available on the Tennessee General Assembly website here.

The bill now heads to Governor Bill Lee’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law, though immigrant advocates and local law enforcement agencies are expected to pressure him to veto the legislation.

The following is a statement from Judith Clerjeune, Campaigns and Advocacy Director at TIRRC Votes:

“Tonight's vote is yet another example of our legislators putting their preoccupation with our southern border above the actual needs of their own constituents. While our federal immigration system desperately needs improvements and investments, make no mistake–this legislation does nothing to meaningfully improve or invest in the lives of those who already call Tennessee home.

From the immigrant families that may be separated to the police officers who will be distracted with an unfunded mandate, every Tennessean will be negatively impacted by this law. If our lawmakers were actually serious about safety, they would invest in the services we know reduce crime in our communities, such as education, healthcare, and jobs. But instead, they're draining local resources by adding additional burdens to law enforcement agencies and taking away our local governments’ freedom to decide what's best for their communities.

But even as this legislation heads to the Governor's desk, we know our communities are resilient and will come together to keep each other safe. From Memphis to Mountain City, immigrant families are deeply embedded in Tennessee, and we won't sit idly by as our legislature turns our laws against us. Immigrants, refugees, and our allies across the state will come together powerfully in our communities, on the steps of the capitol, and the ballot box to protect our families and build a Tennessee where everyone can thrive.”

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TIRRC Votes was launched in 2018 to strengthen and expand our democracy by building power in immigrant and refugee communities and advocating for equitable and inclusive public policy. TIRRC Votes is affiliated with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC).