ICE Agents Spotted in Kingsport's Lynn Garden Neighborhood

Federal immigration enforcement officers were seen in the area on Thursday afternoon.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were spotted in the Lynn Garden section of Kingsport, Tennessee on Thursday afternoon. The agents were seen in the parking lot of the local newspaper office and then drove over to a nearby motel, though they declined to comment on their presence in the area.

Why it matters

The appearance of ICE agents in a local community can raise concerns about immigration enforcement actions and their impact on residents. While the specific reasons for their presence are unclear, it highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration policy and enforcement.

The details

According to reports, the ICE agents were seen in the parking lot of the Kingsport Times News office around 3:30 pm on Thursday. They were wearing vests marked with "ICE" and driving an unmarked vehicle with Tennessee license plates. The agents declined to comment on their activities. They then drove over to the nearby Travel Inn motel, where a Sullivan County Sheriff's Office vehicle was also spotted.

  • The ICE agents were first seen in the Kingsport Times News parking lot around 3:30 pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • The agents then moved to the Travel Inn motel next door around 4:00 pm the same day.

The players

ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

Sullivan County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that may have assisted or coordinated with ICE agents during their presence in Kingsport.

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What they’re saying

“We do have an agreement. If requested, we do assist,”

— Capt. Andy Seabolt, Public Information Officer, Sullivan County Sheriff's Office (timesnews.net)

What’s next

The local authorities have not provided details on the specific reasons for ICE's presence in Kingsport on Thursday. It remains to be seen if any immigration enforcement actions or arrests were carried out in the area.

The takeaway

The appearance of federal immigration agents in a local community can create unease and uncertainty among residents, underscoring the ongoing debates around immigration policy and the role of agencies like ICE in enforcing immigration laws.