Federal Committees to Investigate Nashville Mayor Over Immigration Stance
Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles announced Monday that two federal committees will investigate Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell for allegedly supporting illegal immigration activities.
Investigation Details
The House Homeland Security and Judiciary committees will examine O’Connell’s conduct and determine whether Nashville used federal funding for what officials describe as “criminal enterprise” related to immigration policies. Ogles made the announcement during a Memorial Day press conference at the Tennessee State Capitol, joined by state-level elected officials and law enforcement representatives.
“I will not back down. I will not relent. I will always stand with law enforcement,” Ogles declared. “I want my community, and I want my country back.”
Background: ICE Operation Sparks Controversy
The investigation follows tensions between local officials and federal immigration authorities after an early May operation conducted jointly by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Tennessee Highway Patrol. The operation resulted in 196 arrests, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which also criticized the Nashville mayor for supporting “pro-illegal policies.”
Mayor O’Connell publicly criticized the federal operation, highlighting that Metro Nashville Police Department officers “have been delivering safety to this community by reducing crime multiple years in a row.” He questioned the legitimacy of the arrests, stating that federal officials provided “no proof” that those detained had “criminal histories or criminal intent.”
“We don’t even know the names of who they’ve arrested, much less the charges,” O’Connell said. “What we have seen is a violation of due process and the defiance of court orders.”
The mayor emphasized that Nashville police played no role in the federal operation.
Congressional Response
Following O’Connell’s statements, Congressman Ogles criticized the mayor on social media and threatened congressional action. During Monday’s press conference, he followed through on those threats.
“I choose my community, my state, and my family over this type of nonsense,” Ogles said. “Due to the remarks of Freddie O’Connell and the potential of aiding and abetting illegal immigration, the Homeland Security and the Judiciary committees will be conducting an investigation.”
Additional Audit Request
Metro Councilman David Benton, representing District 28, has separately called for state or federal audits of Nashville’s Belonging Fund, which supports immigrants facing crises. The fund, launched by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee in partnership with Metro Nashville after the May ICE raids, provides assistance through nonprofit organizations for housing, childcare, transportation, food security, and other urgent needs.
According to the Community Foundation, the fund operates entirely on tax-deductible donations from private individuals and organizations, with no government funding involved. The fund explicitly does not provide legal services.
Benton wants authorities to examine all organizations receiving Belonging Fund money to ensure no local tax dollars inadvertently support illegal immigration activities.
“Stop making a mockery of Memorial Day. Defend Nashville. Defend Tennessee. Defend this country, and stop the invasion,” Benton said during the press conference.
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