KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — On Wednesday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee presented his administration's agenda on illegal immigration.
The plan is scheduled to go before the General Assembly during a special session on Jan. 27. This comes after President Donald Trump's executive orders meant to halt illegal immigration and secure America's borders.
Lee's agenda includes a framework to "strengthen immigration enforcement across Tennessee by creating a new division within the Department of Safety, supporting local law enforcement participation in federal programs, and revisiting state-issued identification policies," according to a press release from the governor's office.
This new division, called the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division, will "ensure efficient resource allocation and effective enforcement of immigration laws." The division would coordinate with the Trump administration.
Additionally, the new agenda will seek to ensure only citizens, permeant residents, and people with federal authorization can get Tennessee IDs. Non-citizens will have markers on their licenses, and people will need to prove citizenship to renew or reinstate their driver's licenses. In November, state Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka) introduced a bill to give noncitizens different colored drivers licenses.
The proposed rules would also incentivize local governments to assist with immigration law enforcement. It would be a Class E felony for a local official to adopt sanctuary city policies, and officials would be penalized for failing to comply with enforcement mandates. Local governments would also receive funds to support immigration policies.
“Tennessee has a long track record of stepping up to secure our Nation’s borders and strengthening public safety,” said Lee. “President Trump has made it clear that states will play a major role in partnering with his Administration to enforce immigration laws and keep communities safe, and Tennessee is heeding the call.”
The special session on Jan. 27 will also address disaster relief and school vouchers.
"The governor’s surprising inclusion of immigration legislation in this special session is just another transparent attempt to distract attention from his voucher scam," House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons said. "Providing overdue and much-needed financial aid and relief for the Tennessee families and communities devastated by flooding in September should be our focus and singular priority during this special session."
“Tennessee's commitment to enforcing immigration law has never been in question. This legislation allows us to put that commitment into action now that we have a willing federal partner in President Trump," Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) said. "This bill will enable us to aid the federal government in the efficient identification and deportation of aliens with violent felonies and extensive criminal records."
Lee thanked the General Assembly and other government officials for their work to strengthen public safety.