Testimony and debate as committee advances bill to shield identities of immigration officers

The State and Local Government Committee voted to send H.B. 2506, as amended, to government operations after extended debate over whether to shield names, home addresses and contact information of officers involved in immigration enforcement.

Chairman Howe, the bill sponsor, said the measure protects officer safety and mirrors confidentiality provisions already on the books: "This bill simply mirrors what's already in, the law in Tennessee, concerning confidentiality provisions that already exist." He argued keeping identifying information private during enforcement operations can protect officers and their families from targeting and threats.

Ashley Warbington, who testified in opposition, told the committee that transparency and accountability would be undermined if identities are shielded. "We heard in subcommittee that this bill is about officer safety, operational integrity, and public trust, but shielding the identities of immigration agents does the opposite," she said. Warbington warned that restricting the ability to identify or document officers could hamper public review of enforcement actions.

Members pressed the sponsor on scope and enforcement. Representative Miller asked for clarification about when a local official could face criminal liability; the sponsor said the bill targets disclosures of identifying information during the performance of duties and includes penalties for knowing releases tied to operations. After debate and a vote, the clerk reported 16 ayes and 5 noes and the bill was sent to government operations.

The committee also heard from other members who pressed for safeguards that would preserve the ability to investigate alleged misconduct; the sponsor said lawful misconduct investigations are not affected by the bill. The committee noted that additional scrutiny will be available in later referrals.