Anti-"sanctuary city" Tennessee senator fires back at proposed Nashville ordinance
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--The sponsor of legislation preventing Tennessee cities from becoming a "sanctuary city" is firing back at a proposed Metro Nashville Council ordinance that would amend city immigration laws.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) says Nashville is trying "to skirt" the bill he sponsored in 2009 that prevents any Tennessee city from becoming a "sanctuary city." Sen. Tracy contends his bill was designed to be a "preemptive strike to guard against adoption" of policies to protect those in the country illegally.
On Tuesday evening, the Metro Nashville Council debated if the proposed ordinance which would require immigration agents get a warrant before asking the Davidson County Jail to hold someone for the feds is enforceable. The ordinance also would prohibit city funds, resources or facilities from being used to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
Senator Tracy says if the ordinance passes, it will "draw a strong legislative response." Tracy says the ordinance "clearly defies the letter and the spirit of our state law.”
The Metro ordinance moved forward on Tuesday but still needs to pass a third reading on July 6th.
