Tennessee Reported 18,530 Immigration Removals

State officials tracked thousands of removals and criminal charges linked to immigration status through 2025.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Immigration

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a geometric capitol dome silhouette behind a stark boundary, evoking state immigration policy. — Tennessee state officials reported 18,530 immigration removals in 2025, underscoring a state-wide focus on the strict enforcement of immigration and employment statutes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should states pass laws requiring local police to assist federal immigration enforcement efforts?

Tennessee Republican leaders reported 18,530 immigration removals since January 2025. This data highlights the state's focus on enforcing immigration policies throughout the year.

Why it matters

Lawmakers enacted these measures to prioritize public safety and preserve taxpayer resources. The findings emphasize the state's ongoing commitment to strict enforcement of existing immigration statutes.

The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference reported 21,648 criminal charges involving individuals with unlawful immigration status for the year ending Dec. 31, 2025. Data was compiled from 11,344 submissions across 94 counties.

The players

Tennessee General Assembly

This is the state legislature responsible for drafting and passing the laws that govern immigration enforcement requirements across Tennessee.

Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

This organization represents the collective interests of the state's prosecutors and is responsible for compiling crime data.

The details

State law requires sheriffs to cooperate with federal officials, including holding individuals for 48 hours upon request. Regulations also mandate E-Verify use for government employers, require driver license tests to be in English, and bar those in the country illegally from obtaining commercial or professional licenses.

January 2025 marked the start of the period for the 18,530 recorded immigration removals.
December 31, 2025, served as the end date for the report on criminal charges.
January 12 is the date the next Tennessee General Assembly session begins.

Political Context

The state's enforcement strategy follows the regulatory framework established by the Tennessee E-Verify mandate. Critics often argue that such strict local-level enforcement policies may overstep federal authority or place undue administrative burdens on municipal resources.

Residents may see increased coordination between local law enforcement and federal agencies regarding detainment requests. Additionally, job seekers and professional license applicants must comply with heightened verification standards required under state law.

The takeaway

Tennessee remains committed to utilizing state-level mechanisms to assist in federal immigration enforcement. Citizens and employers should remain aware of the operational requirements for verification and cooperation mandates.