DHS Defends ICE Operation in Nashville Amidst Mayoral Criticism
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a strong rebuttal to Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s public condemnation of a recent operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in collaboration with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). The operation resulted in the arrest of nearly 200 individuals residing in the country illegally, sparking a heated debate over immigration enforcement and community safety.
Mayor O’Connell criticized the operation, suggesting that ICE agents "do not share [the state’s] values of safety." This statement drew a sharp response from DHS officials, who defended the operation as a necessary measure to protect American citizens from criminal activity.
ICE and THP jointly announced that the operation led to the arrest of 196 individuals present in the United States unlawfully. Of those arrested, a significant number, 95, had prior criminal convictions and pending criminal charges. Additionally, over 30 of the arrested individuals had previously been removed from the U.S. and had illegally re-entered the country, a felony offense under federal law.
The DHS emphasized the operation’s success in removing individuals with criminal histories, highlighting the potential risk they posed to the community. The agency asserted that such enforcement actions are essential to maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law.
In a news release, DHS officials expressed their disappointment with Mayor O’Connell’s stance, accusing him of supporting "pro-illegal policies." The agency argued that the mayor’s criticism undermines the efforts of law enforcement officers and disregards the safety concerns of American citizens.
DHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin directly addressed Mayor O’Connell’s remarks, stating, "You would think all public officials would unite around DHS bringing violent criminal illegal aliens to justice and removing them from American communities. However, pro-open borders politicians – like Mayor O’Connell – would rather protect illegal aliens than American citizens."
McLaughlin further emphasized the positive impact of the operation on Nashville’s safety, stating, "This operation resulted in getting gang members, sex offenders, and other violent criminals off Nashville’s streets." She reiterated the commitment of President Trump and DHS Secretary Noem to supporting ICE agents and prioritizing the safety of American communities.
The DHS release also addressed the increasing threats faced by ICE officers, noting a "413% increase in assaults" against them. The agency attributed this rise in violence to the "attacks and demonization of ICE" by political figures and advocacy groups.
The agency highlighted specific cases of individuals arrested during the operation to illustrate the seriousness of the crimes committed by some individuals residing in the U.S. illegally.
One example provided was Jassim Jafaf Al-Raash, a 60-year-old Iraqi national residing in the country unlawfully with a prior conviction for rape, for which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Al-Raash also had convictions for larceny and false imprisonment, resulting in nearly a year in prison, and was charged with failure to register as a sex offender. He had a final order of removal dating back to September 1, 2021.
Another case involved Franklin Oswaldo Velasquez, a 33-year-old from El Salvador, who is allegedly affiliated with the MS-13 gang. Velasquez has an active Red Notice in El Salvador for aggravated murder, which serves as a worldwide wanted alert. He also has convictions for possession of methamphetamines, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear, and criminal impersonation.
Inmar Antonio Penado-Membreno, a 34-year-old Salvadoran national residing in the country unlawfully, was previously convicted of possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell cocaine, for which he received an eight-year prison sentence. Penado-Membreno also had a conviction for aggravated assault, resulting in a four-year prison term.
Richard St. Baptiste, a 36-year-old from Haiti residing in the country unlawfully, was previously convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, resulting in eight years of probation. He also had a conviction for marijuana possession, for which he was sentenced to 30 days in prison.
Carlos Reinaldo Alvarado-Rodriguez, a 39-year-old Guatemalan national residing in the country unlawfully, was previously convicted of aggravated assault, for which he was sentenced to four years in prison.
The DHS concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to enforcing immigration laws and working with state and local partners to protect American citizens from criminal activity. The agency emphasized that it would continue to prioritize the removal of individuals residing in the country illegally who pose a threat to public safety. The DHS stated in the release "BOTTOM LINE: DHS is [a] law enforcement agency, and it will continue to enforce the law and work with all state and local partners so that Americans do not continue to be victimized by criminal aliens."
The agency also referenced past operations such as the one that happened in Florida where NEARLY 800 ILLEGAL ALIENS ARRESTED IN MASSIVE FLORIDA ICE OPERATION.
This clash between DHS and Mayor O’Connell highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement and the balance between public safety and community integration. The issue remains a contentious one, with differing perspectives on the role of law enforcement in addressing immigration-related concerns.
Neither DHS nor Mayor O’Connell’s office immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
