House passes bill requiring Tennessee courts to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement despite judicial-independence concerns

Representative Scarbro, the sponsor, told the House that House Bill 1707 requires Tennessee courts to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and creates a reporting mechanism to refer judges who the sponsor says 'obstruct' lawful federal immigration activity to the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct. "This bill makes it clear that Tennessee courts must stand in line with federal immigration enforcement or judges may face disciplinary action," Scarbro said.

Several members urged caution. Representative Powell said the bill risked curbing judicial oversight if federal agents acted unlawfully and suggested it might prevent judges from holding federal officials accountable. "If our judges wanted to hold those people accountable for the offense of capital murder, they could be removed from office under this bill," Powell warned, citing an out-of-state incident as a hypothetical concern.

Sponsor Scarbro responded that the bill does not require judges to violate Tennessee rules of criminal procedure and framed it as policy clarity about cooperation. Representative Fritts asked whether the bill grants any immunity to federal law enforcement; the sponsor said it does not — it creates an accountability pathway for judges, not immunity for federal agents.

The House adopted previous-question and final votes and passed the bill (Ayes 71, Nays 24). The measure now proceeds through the legislative process.

Notes: Debate focused on judicial independence and the practical effects of a reporting mechanism to the Board of Judicial Conduct; members referenced Board procedures and constitutional concerns.