Tennessee Congressman Targets Nashville Mayor Over ICE Obstruction

Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles is putting sanctuary city leaders on notice and Nashville’s Democrat Mayor Freddie O’Connell is at the top of the list. In a scathing interview, Ogles called out O’Connell for interfering with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and vowed to hold him accountable for obstructing President Trump’s renewed focus on mass deportations.

“If you impede federal law enforcement in their duties... we’re going to be looking into your city, and where appropriate, we’re going to hold you accountable,” Ogles told Morning Wire.

The comments follow Ogles’ confirmation that two key House committees Homeland Security and Judiciary have launched an investigation into Mayor O’Connell’s actions after ICE agents arrested nearly 200 illegal aliens in Nashville, many of them violent offenders.

Key facts from the ICE raids in Nashville:

• 196 illegal aliens were arrested

• 95 had prior convictions or pending charges

• 31 had reentered the country illegally

• Among those arrested: gang members, drug traffickers, and a convicted rapist

Mayor O’Connell’s response? Push back against ICE and issue an executive order requiring city officials to report all communication with the agency to his office. Ogles says the House will be investigating not just the mayor’s actions, but also any collaboration between Nashville officials and nonprofits possibly aiding illegal aliens or obstructing federal enforcement.

“The mayor of Nashville is making local PD... the bad guy,” Ogles said. “We’ve had a 400% increase in attacks on law enforcement nationwide, and this only fuels the fire.”

The Tennessee congressman also took aim at State Rep. Aftyn Bhen, who recorded herself blocking ICE vehicles in Nashville and proudly posted the footage on social media.

“She admitted to delaying ICE vehicles four times. That’s a crime,” Ogles emphasized.

But the problem goes far beyond Nashville. According to a classified briefing received by Ogles, dangerous foreign gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua are embedding themselves in communities across Tennessee, from Columbia to Tullahoma. These aren’t small-time street thugs they’re armed, organized, and deeply connected to drug and human trafficking networks.

“These gangs have sophisticated surveillance and tactical equipment,” Ogles warned. “They’re not just moving into our cities they’re taking over.”

With Tennessee’s central location, Nashville has become a strategic hub for cartel activity. And Ogles says inaction from Democrat leaders is helping fuel this criminal invasion.

“If we don’t fight back, if we don’t take our cities and streets back,” he warned, “you’re going to wake up and see gang members on the corner in front of your elementary school.”

Ogles’ message is clear: federal officials are watching, and city leaders who obstruct ICE will face consequences. President Trump’s immigration crackdown is back and this time, Republicans are ready to enforce it.

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