Immigration Enforcement Intensifies Amid New Legislation in Tennessee
Amna Nawaz: While the visibility of ICE operations may have diminished, particularly with the surge in officers, immigration enforcement persists in various communities, especially those collaborating with state and local governments.
In Florida, for example, where Governor Ron DeSantis has allied with ICE, there were over 90 arrests per day earlier this year. Recent operations in East Tennessee saw more than 100 individuals taken into custody during a single ICE raid.
Stephanie See explores a newly enacted law in Tennessee that raises significant concerns among critics regarding its potential to jeopardize essential medical care for the children of undocumented immigrants.
During this spring session, the state’s Republican legislature passed a law mandating state authorities to report any illegal immigrants seeking public assistance to ICE. Many families lacking Medicaid or insurance are reliant on state special services programs that act as a last resort for their children’s medical needs.
Notably, earlier this month, approximately 400 families received notifications that they must either withdraw from the program by the month’s end or report their immigration status, as reported by The Tennessean.
Michelle Johnson, the executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, has sounded the alarm regarding the impending crisis for these vulnerable children. She has joined us to address these critical issues.
Michelle, thank you for participating. While it is true that this affects a relatively small demographic, those impacted are often the most vulnerable, including children battling cancer or requiring ventilators. Although the law doesn’t exempt these children, I understand that such considerations were at one point on the table. Can you elaborate on the implications of the legislation and your main concerns?
MICHELLE JOHNSON, TENNESSEE JUSTICE CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: This letter presents families with an untenable choice: withdraw from a program that is their child’s only link to life-saving treatment or remain in it and risk revealing their information to ICE. Parents are acutely aware that this could lead to deportation and detention in facilities like “Alligator Alcatraz.” In essence, their options are catastrophic—one path leads to deprivation of care, while the other potentially leads to severe consequences for their families.
State medical professionals caution that both of these choices could result in grave harm, if not death, for these children.
Stephanie SY: “Alligator Alcatraz” refers to a detention center located in Florida. Have you received reports from families fearing deportation if they choose to disenroll? Are there any case studies involving pediatric patients who may have already lost access to emergency care?
Michelle Johnson: Yes, we’ve been in contact with families for the last two weeks. Many are on the path to citizenship and are law-abiding; yet, they were horrified to receive this letter, highlighting the perilous atmosphere we are cultivating in our state. Recently, one family shared that they were compelled to deregister after receiving the letter, which resulted in them having to cancel surgery for their 10-year-old child who suffers from severe spina bifida. This unnecessary suffering shouldn’t exist simply because of political maneuvering.
Stephanie SY: Regarding the political aspect, one of the bill’s sponsors, Republican Mark Cochran, stated that the law ensures public benefits in Tennessee are designated solely for individuals lawfully present in the country. He also noted that the law complies with federal mandates regarding emergency and life-saving care. Given the example of the child with spina bifida, do you believe that children still have viable options? What is your response to his assertion?
Michelle Johnson: With over 30 years dedicated to advocating health law for children in need, I can attest that emergency rooms frequently fail to resolve the healthcare needs of these children. Although the law requires hospitals to provide treatment for children on the brink of death, it fails to cover those needing ongoing care, like chemotherapy for pediatric cancer patients, which cannot be administered in emergency settings.
Stephanie SY: The law is set to take effect on July 1st, and it is worth noting that the state health commissioner declined our invitation to participate in this discussion. What steps is your organization currently taking to support these families?
MICHELLE JOHNSON: Our primary aim is to raise awareness among taxpayers that their dollars are funding such actions, and we’re urging them to voice their concerns to the governor. The governor has emphasized his commitment to his faith, yet it’s perplexing how he could endorse a bill that jeopardizes the most vulnerable among us. Additionally, we are preparing to file a lawsuit as we consider this legislation illegal. Furthermore, we are actively collaborating with families to explore possible benefits or donations, but many remain unsure about their safety.
Ultimately, this is a unique situation, and it appears to stem from political influences aiming to enhance public support. Conversations with everyday individuals across the political spectrum suggest a consensus against policies that harm children. We hope that our governor can reflect on these values and act accordingly.
