Faith leaders across Tennessee criticized recent ICE enforcement actions and Republican efforts targeting Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. In a joint statement Friday, Catholic Bishops J. Mark Spalding, David P. Talley, and Mark Beckman condemned ICE dragnets in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods, saying they “spread fear” and extend beyond those with serious charges or deportation orders.
The bishops warned that “in the current climate, many individuals face a lack of due process,” creating fear among those simply attending religious services or parish events.
Separately, Rev. Keri Cress of Glendale United Methodist Church, representing the Southern Christian Coalition, accused Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. Andy Ogles of politically motivated harassment. Cress defended O’Connell’s legal approach to immigration issues, calling Republican investigations “political theater.”
Ogles held a Memorial Day press event accusing O’Connell of “aiding and abetting illegal immigration” and “doxxing” ICE agents. This followed a Metro Nashville log listing agent names, which were later removed. Blackburn introduced legislation to criminalize exposing federal agents’ identities, with penalties of up to five years in prison.
House Republicans have demanded documents from O’Connell by June 12.
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