Governor Bill Haslam said Monday that the legislation that prohibits "sanctuary cities" will pass without his signature.
The legislation requires state and local law enforcement to detain illegal immigrants when instructed by federal officials. It doesn't require probable cause or warrants. It bans local governments from having sanctuary policies.
The Republican-led House and Senate passed the bill April 25 when it then headed to Governor Haslam.
Governor Haslam said the bill has "stirred up irrational fear on both sides."
According to Governor Haslam, there are no sanctuary cities in Tennessee as state law prohibits them.
Speaker Harwell released the following statement regarding Governor Haslam’s decision to allow House Bill 2315 to become law without his signature:
House Speaker Beth Harwell said, "I appreciate Governor Haslam allowing House Bill 2315 to become law. This measure will further allow our local, state, and federal officials to work together to keep our communities safe, building on the law we passed in 2009 to outlaw sanctuary city policies."
Jonathan Mason, House District 30 candidate, said, “Today, I applaud the passage into law of the Anti-Sanctuary City legislation championed by Representative Jay Reedy and Senator Mark Green. Federal immigration laws are useless when cities and states refuse to assist in enforcement. In Tennessee, we now have a common-sense law that protects our citizens and those here legally.
"Thank you, Reps. Marc Gravitt, Mike Carter and Gerald McCormick for co-sponsoring this vital legislation in the Tennessee House.
"I will always stand to protect the rights of the law abiding and fight against those who choose to break the law.”