Tennessee TCA 7-68-101 prohibits sanctuary city policies statewide, requiring Knoxville and Knox County to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and honor ICE detainer requests.
Tennessee enacted TCA 7-68-101 banning sanctuary policies that limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The 2018 law and 2024 amendments require Tennessee local governments to comply with ICE detainer requests, share information with Department of Homeland Security, and forbids policies preventing officers from inquiring about immigration status. Knox County Sheriff operates a 287(g) program partnership with ICE. Cities adopting sanctuary policies face loss of state funding and potential ouster proceedings against officials. Knoxville Police follow state-mandated cooperation protocols.
Local officials adopting sanctuary policies risk losing state funding and facing removal from office under TCA 7-68-101 amendments.
See how Knoxville's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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