Tennessee bill creating immigration crime clears first hurdle

By: Sam Stockard

Outlets: Tennessee Lookout

Published: February 12, 2026

Words: 351

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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A Tennessee bill establishing a state crime for defying a federal deportation order passed a House subcommittee Wednesday despite questions about its constitutionality.

House Bill 1704, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth of Portland, passed the Criminal Justice Subcommittee on a 6-2 party-line vote with Republican lawmakers in control.

The measure, part of Republicans’ Immigration 2026 slate formed in cooperation with White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, would make it a …

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