Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles is putting city leaders on notice after Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell openly opposed recent ICE operations targeting criminal illegal aliens. Ogles condemned the mayor’s actions as obstruction of federal law enforcement and vowed that Congress will not let it go unchecked.
The controversy erupted following a major ICE operation in Nashville that led to the arrest of nearly 200 illegal immigrants, many with serious criminal records or pending charges. Rather than cooperating with federal agents, Mayor O’Connell denounced the effort and issued an executive order requiring all city departments to report their communications with federal immigration authorities directly to his office—effectively placing city officials between ICE and the criminals they’re trying to remove.
Ogles responded forcefully. “We will not allow local officials to shield criminals and obstruct federal law enforcement. If you stand in the way of ICE, we are going to hold you accountable,” he said. The congressman announced that both the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees are launching investigations into the mayor’s conduct, seeking internal communications between city officials and activist groups, as well as records related to the mayor’s directive following the arrests.
According to Ogles, this isn’t just about bureaucratic interference—it’s about public safety. He pointed to the growing presence of violent transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, warning that these organizations are expanding their reach into Tennessee and exploiting sanctuary-style policies that protect them from deportation.
“Mayor O’Connell should be focused on protecting the people of Nashville, not protecting foreign nationals with rap sheets,” Ogles added. “Cities that defy federal immigration enforcement are endangering their own citizens.”
The congressman reaffirmed his full support for ICE and pledged to continue backing strong immigration enforcement nationwide. “This isn’t about politics,” he said. “It’s about law and order. And we’re going to make sure that those who obstruct it are held fully responsible.”
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
The clash underscores a larger national battle between Republican lawmakers defending immigration enforcement and left-leaning city leaders who are increasingly at odds with federal law. In Tennessee, Ogles made it clear: Congress is watching—and it’s ready to act.