Tennessee Aims to Lead Nation in Cracking Down on Illegal Immigration

State lawmakers introduce sweeping legislative package to partner with Trump administration on immigration enforcement.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:38am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting in bold colors depicting the silhouettes of a police officer and a fleeing figure, conveying the confrontational nature of the state's immigration enforcement efforts.Tennessee's legislative crackdown on illegal immigration aims to empower law enforcement and protect taxpayer resources.White House Today

Tennessee lawmakers have introduced a comprehensive legislative package to crack down on illegal immigration, including measures to make illegal immigration a state crime, mandate legal status verification for public employees and those receiving benefits, protect ICE agents, and increase cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. The proposals come after high-profile cases like the fatal hit-and-run of a Nashville restaurant owner by an undocumented immigrant, and aim to position Tennessee as a 'beacon' for other states to follow the Trump administration's immigration agenda.

Why it matters

As the federal government has released millions of illegal immigrants into the U.S. under the Biden administration, conservative states have struggled to respond. Tennessee sees an opportunity under the Trump administration to take a hardline stance, with Republican leaders hoping to demonstrate to the White House that Tennessee will be a willing partner in immigration enforcement and serve as a model for other states to follow.

The details

The legislative package includes bills that would make illegal immigration a state crime, mandate legal status verification for public employees and those receiving benefits, protect ICE agents from being doxed, and increase cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. One proposal would require schools to count the number of illegal immigrant students to determine the taxpayer cost. Another would make it a crime for someone with a final deportation order to be in Tennessee. The proposals are aimed at safeguarding taxpayer dollars and prioritizing services for legal residents.

  • In June 2024, a Nashville restaurant owner was killed in a hit-and-run by an undocumented immigrant.
  • The legislative package was introduced at the start of Tennessee's 2026 legislative session.
  • The session is expected to wrap up next month, with Republican leaders confident most of the bills will pass.

The players

Matt Carney

The owner of the popular Nashville restaurant Smokin' Thighs, who was killed in a hit-and-run by an undocumented immigrant in 2024.

Ulises Martinez

The undocumented immigrant from Mexico who was charged with murdering Matt Carney in the 2024 hit-and-run incident.

Jack Johnson

The Tennessee Senate Majority Leader, who helped craft the immigration legislative package.

Cameron Sexton

The Tennessee House Speaker, who has collaborated with the White House on the immigration proposals.

William Lamberth

The Tennessee House Majority Leader, who introduced bills as part of the immigration package.

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What they’re saying

“We have what I refer to as kind of a once in a generation opportunity, given the Trump administration's emphasis on removing illegal immigrants and mass deportation.”

— Jack Johnson, Tennessee Senate Majority Leader

“Illegal aliens should not be receiving federal welfare benefits while hardworking Americans foot the bill.”

— White House Official

“If you come from a state that does not verify your legal status, then before you get the reciprocal license, you're gonna have to show the state of Tennessee that you're here legally and lawfully and if you can't, then we're not giving your license.”

— Cameron Sexton, Tennessee House Speaker

What’s next

The Tennessee legislature is expected to vote on the immigration package before the current session ends next month. If passed, the new laws would go into effect immediately, positioning Tennessee as a national leader in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.

The takeaway

Tennessee's aggressive push to crack down on illegal immigration highlights the growing divide between conservative states and the federal government on this issue. By partnering with the Trump White House, Tennessee aims to set an example for other states to follow in prioritizing the interests of legal residents and taxpayers over undocumented immigrants.