Commercial Litigation Update

In February 2025, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill into law strengthening immigration enforcement in the state. We previously wrote about this law here.

The law created a Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division at the state level that coordinates directly with the Trump administration on federal immigration policies, establishes a new driver’s license distinguishing U.S. citizens from lawful permanent residents, and through provision of grants, encourages local governments to participate in enforcing federal immigration authorities.

The law also made it a felony for elected officials to vote for so-called sanctuary city policies, punishable by up to six years in jail, a $3,000 fine, and the law requires removal of any official who violates the law “as soon as practicable.”

While much attention has been given to the Trump Administration’s early federal policy objectives to increase immigration enforcement, clients should also be aware of similar increased enforcement policies at the state level.

Last month, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed into law a bill passed by the state legislature during a recent special legislative session. The new Tennessee law attempts to strengthen immigration enforcement in Tennessee with the following measures:

1. Creates a Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division at the state level, to be led by a Chief Immigration Enforcement Officer (“CIEO”) appointed by the Governor. The CIEO will coordinate directly with the Trump Administration on federal immigration policies and implementation.