Hermitage neighbors step in as ICE tries to take man into custody
UPDATE: (1:15 P.M.)
Metro Police said an ICE investigation Monday morning stemmed from a traffic stop.
ICE representatives called Metro Police at about 7:20 a.m. saying that they had tried to pull over a vehicle that wouldn't stop. That vehicle proceeded to a driveway on Forest Ridge Drive in Hermitage. Metro Police's assistance was requested and officers discovered on scene that ICE agents were attempting to serve a detainer.
FOX 17 News has learned that ICE agents did not have a criminal warrant, instead they came with a civil warrant (or detainer) signed by an administrator, not a judge. Because this was a civil matter, ICE agents are not able to enter someone's home or vehicle and citizens are not committing a crime by interfering.
It is the policy of Metro Police to not get involved when these cases are civil matters. If ICE agents had a warrant alleging a crime had occurred, Metro Police would have been able to assist in their investigation.
The man who was sitting in the van and would not come out for ICE agents also had a 12-year-old boy with him. Metro Police were told not to be involved in the ICE investigation, but to stand by and "keep the peace" if necessary.
Mayor Briley issued this statement with FOX 17 News about the situation:
It is my job as Mayor is to keep all Nashvillians safe.
This morning, ICE agents attempted to detain a Nashville resident. However, the agents did not end up detaining the resident, and no arrests were made.
Our police officers do not actively participate in immigration enforcement efforts and only serve as peacekeepers. The officers were at the incident today to keep neighbors safe and secure a perimeter.
I am keenly aware that this type of activity by our federal government stokes fear and distrust in our most vulnerable communities, which is why we do not use our local resources to enforce ICE orders.
I will continue to work with local advocacy organizations like TIRRC to make sure residents know their rights and that support and resources are available for undocumented immigrants should the need arise.
ICE agents ended up leaving at about 9:45 a.m. when the man was still in the van.
Neighbors in the area said they formed a human chain to surround the man and child until they made it inside the Forest Ridge Drive home.
One neighbor, who said she's lived next to the family for 14 years, said the incident this morning "changed how she feels about this country."
FOX 17 News will have a full report in the newscast at 5:30 p.m.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) - Metro Police confirmed an ICE investigation is ongoing Monday morning in the Hermitage area.
It's happening in the Central Valley Drive and Forest Ridge Drive area.
Metro Police say officers were on scene "keeping the peace."
FOX 17 News has arrived on scene and Metro Police and ICE agents are no longer at the location.
Neighbors say they formed a human chain around a man and his family to escort them from his van to his home.
One neighbor, who said she's lived next to the family for 14 years, said the incident this morning "changed how she feels about this country."
FOX 17 News reached out to Homeland Security and Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition and is waiting to hear back. This story will be updated.
