Committee backs bill to keep identifying details of officers in immigration enforcement confidential

Chairman Howe told the committee the bill’s aim is to protect the personal safety of officers involved in immigration enforcement and to create uniform statewide confidentiality rather than a patchwork of local rules. "It just simply says that the names, home addresses, contact information and other personal identifying details of federal, state and local officers involved in illegal immigration enforcement shall remain confidential," he said.

Supporters said officers face harassment and threats in other states and that the measure narrows protected records to identifying details and operational specifics. Representative Powell praised the bill as narrowly tailored to prevent harassment at officers’ homes while preserving accountability through existing criminal and civil processes. Several members asked whether Tennessee has seen incidents like those cited in other states; the sponsor acknowledged protests have occurred locally but said he was not aware of injuries.

Opponents urged caution about indefinite secrecy. Representative Clemens warned that if operations have no defined end, secrecy could hinder later accountability. Howe and other supporters responded that the bill does not remove the courts’ ability to adjudicate wrongdoing, and that protection of personal information is warranted where release would place officers or family members at risk.

The committee called the previous question and voted on a positive recommendation; the clerk recorded 10 ayes and 4 nays, and the measure was reported to the calendar and rules committee.