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Several immigration 'safe‑spaces' and detainer bills fail in committee after debate
Summary
The committee rejected multiple bills that would have limited immigration enforcement in schools, health facilities and detention policy in Tennessee. HB 22‑11 and HB 22‑49 each failed on roll call (2‑6), and sponsors argued the measures protect students and reduce litigation risk.
Representative Powell presented HB 22‑11, a bill meant to ensure children have safe access to schools and child services without fear of immigration enforcement. Powell said the measure would help constituents who avoid accessing services due to immigration concerns. The committee called the question and voted 2 ayes, 6 nos; the chair announced the bill failed.
Representative Johnson presented a related measure, HB 22‑49, described as "safe access to care" that would bar Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from entering health care facilities or domestic‑violence shelters to execute enforcement actions in those spaces. Johnson said the bill would preserve trust with vulnerable people while not blocking warrants. After debate the committee recorded 2 ayes and 6 nos and the bill failed.
Across the immigration items sponsors argued that the bills would protect community trust and reduce litigation and fiscal liability when detainers are not judicial warrants; opponents raised procedural objections and asked for clarifying data. No items passed out of committee during this portion of the calendar.
