On March 26, 2026, Tennessee lawmakers signed off on a bill that would pull many details of immigration-enforcement operations out of public view. If Gov. Bill Lee signs the measure, officials who disclose protected information could face new criminal penalties.
What the bill would do
The bill, filed as HB 2506 / SB 1464, would require state and local governmental entities to keep confidential the names, contact information and residential addresses of federal, state or local officers who take part in immigration enforcement. It would also hide details about planned operations - including dates, times, locations and logistics - from public inspection, as outlined by the Tennessee General Assembly.
Penalty and sponsorship
The measure is sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson and cleared both chambers in late March. If it becomes law, the unauthorized release of protected information would be a Class E felony that carries a potential sentence of one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000, as reported by WSMV.
Supporters and critics
Supporters say the change is about protecting officers from doxxing and keeping sensitive operations secure. Sen. Jack Johnson has argued that the internet has changed how law enforcement interacts with the public, according to WPLN. Civil-liberties and open-records advocates counter that broad confidentiality carveouts could block oversight and conceal wrongdoing, a concern raised by the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government in its review of the legislation.
Where it goes next
After a final House vote, the bill was enrolled and marked "ready for signatures" on March 26 and has been transmitted to the governor's desk. The legislature's official record shows the enrollment and includes the bill text, according to the Tennessee General Assembly.
Legal implications
Legal experts say measures that broadly limit public access to records often invite court challenges. A separate Tennessee provision tied to sanctuary policies was recently ruled unconstitutional, showing how these fights can play out in court, according to AP News. Local immigrant-rights groups have also pushed for access to enforcement records in court - the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition filed a lawsuit over withheld records last year, underscoring the tension between officer safety and government transparency.
Supporters say the change will keep officers safe, while opponents warn it will limit public accountability. The bill now awaits Gov. Bill Lee's signature, and advocates on both sides say they will be watching closely to see how the law is applied.
