Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell is facing a federal investigation over allegations that he obstructed immigration enforcement operations and aided illegal immigration, according to an announcement made Monday by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN).
Two congressional committees, including the House Judiciary Committee, are reportedly preparing to investigate the mayor’s actions, which critics say undercut federal immigration authorities during a recent joint enforcement operation conducted in Tennessee.
The investigation stems from statements made by O’Connell following a May immigration enforcement operation carried out jointly by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
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According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, that operation resulted in the arrest of 196 individuals.
The agency said the arrests targeted individuals with ties to criminal activity and accused O’Connell of supporting “pro-illegal policies.”
In the aftermath of the enforcement effort, Mayor O’Connell criticized the operation and questioned the necessity of federal intervention.
He stated that Nashville’s Metro Police Department had “been delivering safety to this community by reducing crime multiple years in a row,” and said that federal officials had “shown us no proof” that those arrested had criminal histories or posed any threat to public safety.
Nashville Mayor @freddieoconnell has launched the Belonging Fund—an emergency support program for illegals funded by taxpayers.
It provides illegals with childcare, transportation, housing, food, and anything else they could need to comfortably evade the law.
This is treason. pic.twitter.com/5EkBntQtvP
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) May 15, 2025
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In response, Rep. Ogles called for a formal investigation and pledged to obtain internal documents and communications from the mayor’s office.
Ogles issued a statement on Monday asserting that if city officials were obstructing federal immigration enforcement, they should be held accountable.
“If you’re helping violent gangs destroy Tennessee by obstructing ICE—you belong behind bars,” Rep. Ogles said.
Ogles further announced that, with the support of the House Judiciary Committee, he would be formally requesting the following documents and communications from the mayor’s office:
– All materials related to the amendment of Executive Order 30, which he described as a directive requiring Nashville city employees and first responders to report all communication with federal immigration authorities directly to the mayor’s office.
– Any internal discussions or policy documents concerning ICE enforcement actions in Nashville or Davidson County.
– All correspondence between Metro Nashville employees and affiliated non-governmental organizations (NGOs) regarding the arrest or detention of illegal aliens within the jurisdiction.
With the support of the House Judiciary Committee, I will be formally requesting all documents and communications from the Mayor’s office related to:
– The amendment of Executive Order 30—an outrageous directive requiring Nashville employees and first responders to report all… pic.twitter.com/BGv8uocsTk
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) May 26, 2025
O’Connell has not issued a public response to the investigation as of Tuesday morning.
Executive Order 30, referenced by Ogles, has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers in Tennessee for allegedly impeding cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.
Critics say the order undermines ICE operations and could shield individuals who pose a risk to public safety.
The Department of Homeland Security’s recent statement indicated that immigration enforcement in Tennessee will continue despite local opposition.
The agency said its focus remains on apprehending individuals who are in violation of federal immigration laws, particularly those with existing criminal records or gang affiliations.
As the investigation moves forward, Ogles has signaled that additional inquiries may follow, depending on the documents received from the mayor’s office and other related entities.
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