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Brentwood Today
By the People, for the People
Tennessee Bill Aims to Criminalize Unauthorized Presence
Proposed legislation would make it "illegal to be illegal" in the state, sparking student protests.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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A bill has passed the Tennessee House of Representatives that would criminalize the presence of individuals in the state who have received final deportation orders from federal immigration authorities. The proposal has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups and prompted student walkouts at a Brentwood high school to protest recent ICE operations in the state and across the U.S.
Why it matters
The bill reflects an increasingly hardline stance on immigration enforcement at the state level, even as the federal government's approach remains in flux. Critics argue the measure could lead to racial profiling and undermine community trust in law enforcement, while supporters say it's necessary to address illegal immigration.
The details
The proposed legislation would make it a misdemeanor crime for individuals with final deportation orders to remain in Tennessee. State and local law enforcement would be tasked with verifying individuals' immigration status, raising concerns about how they would access and interpret federal records.
- The bill passed the Tennessee House of Representatives on February 11, 2026.
- More than 100 Brentwood High School students walked out of class to protest the bill and recent ICE operations.
The players
Brentwood High School
A public high school in Brentwood, Tennessee where over 100 students walked out to protest the proposed immigration bill and recent ICE operations.
What’s next
The bill will now move to the Tennessee Senate for consideration.
The takeaway
This legislation highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement, with states taking increasingly aggressive steps even as the federal approach remains in flux. The student protests underscore the broader social and political implications of these policy debates.
