Sen. Marsha Blackburn introduces bill to penalize doxxing of federal officers as ICE faces surge in assaults in Tennessee.

Senator Rides with ICE Amid Growing Risks

Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn accompanied Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Rutherford County, just outside Nashville, on Friday as part of her efforts to highlight the increasing dangers faced by federal law enforcement. During the ride-along, ICE officers targeted the apprehension of an illegal immigrant convicted of child sexual abuse, giving Blackburn firsthand insight into the risks and complexities of their mission.

“You really don’t appreciate the amount of work that goes into apprehensions and deportations until you speak with the men and women who are working so hard behind the scenes every single day and see the risks they take firsthand,” Blackburn said. She cited a 500% increase in assaults against ICE officers and underscored the public’s debt of gratitude owed to agents striving to protect communities.

Legislative Response to Officer Doxxing and Violence

Amidst a dramatic rise in assaults, Blackburn introduced the Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act, which seeks to make it illegal to release the name of a federal officer with the intent to obstruct criminal or immigration proceedings. The legislation was prompted by recent incidents in Nashville, where public release of federal officers’ names led to accusations of doxxing and concerns about officer safety.

The debate intensified after Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, a Democrat, faced criticism when a public report listed the names of ICE agents. O’Connell defended the action, claiming the information was already part of a public record and was not intended to endanger officers. He emphasized, “I would say they may have some concerns—I’m far more concerned about the overall dynamic we have about unmarked, unidentifiable masked people whisking people into vehicles—I think that’s a bigger concern.”

O’Connell is now under investigation by GOP House lawmakers, including local Rep. Andy Ogles, for potentially interfering with federal immigration enforcement efforts. O’Connell maintains that the release was unintentional and not a violation of executive order procedures, stating, “It was an unintentional release of names that were already part of a public record by being in the Department of Emergency Communication’s calls.”

Nashville at the Center of Immigration Policy Debates

The city of Nashville has emerged as a flashpoint in the national conversation on illegal immigration. In addition to the doxxing controversy, a recent hit-and-run involving a Venezuelan illegal immigrant, who remains at large, has further ignited public concern and debate over immigration enforcement and community safety.

Blackburn sharply contrasted her support for ICE agents with what she described as the “lawless, left-wing politicians” who, she argues, are fueling hostility against law enforcement. “In stark contrast, President Trump and his administration are standing up for law-abiding citizens over criminal illegal aliens by empowering ICE agents to do their jobs,” she said.

As the debate continues, Blackburn’s proposed legislation seeks to enhance protections for those on the front lines of immigration enforcement. With tensions high in Nashville and beyond, the future of law enforcement safety measures remains a central focus as Congress considers the next steps.