Tennessee AG exposes ICE's release of violent criminals
- Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti claimed that under the Biden-Harris administration, ICE released dangerous individuals, including murderers and rapists, onto U.S. streets.
- Tennessee officials, including Governor Bill Lee, opposed ICE's plans to release migrants into the state, leading to successful litigation to halt the mass release.
- The information reveals significant concerns about public safety and the federal government's enforcement of immigration laws, prompting ongoing efforts by Tennessee's Attorney General for accountability.
In Tennessee, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced troubling findings from a lawsuit involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. Specifically, records revealed that during the Biden-Harris administration, ICE released a substantial number of detainees, including individuals convicted of serious crimes like homicide and sexual assault. Over 7,000 detainees were released from Louisiana facilities, raising alarms about public safety across the state. The impetus for releasing these detainees seemed to be tied to the upcoming end of Title 42, a COVID-19-era public health measure, which prompted ICE to prepare for potential mass releases. Officials from Tennessee, including Governor Bill Lee, became aware of ICE's initiatives in late 2022 and expressed serious concerns, insisting on more transparency and details regarding the releases. Following this outcry, litigation ensued, effectively halting ICE's plans to discharge large numbers of migrants into Tennessee. Skrmetti underscored the state's legal battles that successfully prevented a mass release of potentially dangerous illegal immigrants. As the federal government continues to face criticism over its handling of immigration policies, Tennessee officials remain vigilant. Skrmetti emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in immigration enforcement to ensure the safety of state residents and uphold immigration laws.