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Tennessee Halts Sanctuary Law Enforcement After ACLU Settlement

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The state will not enforce the 2025 law making sanctuary policy support a felony, after a settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN).
The law, part of Governor Bill Lee's immigration legislation, was challenged by seven Nashville council members for First Amendment violations.
Tennessee acknowledged the law infringed on legislative immunity.
The settlement, pending court approval, requires the state to pay over $61,200 in legal fees.

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Story summary

The state will not enforce the 2025 law making sanctuary policy support a felony, after a settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN).
The law, part of Governor Bill Lee's immigration legislation, was challenged by seven Nashville council members for First Amendment violations.
Tennessee acknowledged the law infringed on legislative immunity.
The settlement, pending court approval, requires the state to pay over $61,200 in legal fees.