Tennessee Republicans Call Out O’Connell’s “Pro-Illegal Alien Non-Profit” Funding Request
Tennessee Today

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has requested $735,000 for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), sparking backlash from prominent Tennessee Republicans.

TIRRC, as described on their website, “is a statewide, immigrant and refugee-led collaboration” with the mission to “build power, amplify our voices, and organize communities to advocate for our rights.” This Tennessee activist group recently filed a lawsuit against the Tennessee Highway Patrol, alleging that ICE and the state troopers illegally coordinated during traffic stops, and reportedly planned protests against the Tennessee General Assembly’s special session in May.

Senator Marsha Blackburn took to X to urge the Metro Council to reject the funding request for TIRRC, stating, “Anti-ICE groups like TIRRC should not receive a dime of Tennesseans’ hard-earned money.”

(X/@MarshaBlackburn)

Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton echoed the Senator, explaining that “Metro’s budget request of $735k for TIRRC funding could be in violation of Tennessee’s no sanctuary city law,” further noting that the Tennessee District Attorney’s Conference and Comptroller are watching.

(X/@CSexton25)

In response to the controversy, the mayor’s office told Fox17 that “Changes in immigration policy in recent years have only intensified the demand for immigration attorneys and accredited representatives who can provide quality legal assistance at a low cost. These funds are intended to support TIRRC’s work to provide accessible, high-quality legal services, education, and information to support people working to maintain compliance with applicable immigration laws and policies.”

The changes referred to by the mayor’s office reference the Republicans’ “Immigration 2026” agenda that aims to improve immigration enforcement within the state. The agenda included multiple pieces of legislation that were written in collaboration with the White House.