Chattanooga, TN, July 27, 2025
News Summary
Tensions rise in Chattanooga as approximately 150 protesters gathered at Miller Park, urging Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett to end ties with ICE. Organizers from Democracy in Action rallied around concerns regarding local law enforcement’s partnership with federal immigration authorities, highlighting a sharp increase in transfers to ICE. The protests signify escalating community activism amidst fears over immigrant rights and safety, with varying political opinions on immigration enforcement among local leaders.
Chattanooga is witnessing growing tensions around immigration enforcement as approximately 150 protesters gathered at Miller Park demanding that Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett sever ties with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The demonstration, organized by the political action group Democracy in Action, took place in the midst of rising concern regarding local law enforcement collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
At the rally, attendees exhibited various signs, with messages advocating for the Sheriff’s disassociation from ICE, and chanted phrases that criticize his collaboration, such as “Sheriff Garrett, get a clue, history is watching you.” This protest marks a pivotal moment in local activism, being the first specifically aimed at the Sheriff’s partnership with ICE, which was solidified through a formal contract signed in March.
Despite the mounting criticism, Sheriff Garrett maintains that his partnership with ICE is in alignment with his duty to ensure community safety. He emphasized that his office only collaborates with ICE when there are adequate resources available, primarily focusing on individuals who are charged with violent crimes. Garrett insists that many immigrants in the area are law-abiding residents seeking better opportunities in the United States.
From February to April of this year, the Sheriff’s Office transferred nearly five times more individuals to ICE than during the same period last year, highlighting an intensifying crackdown on undocumented immigrants in Hamilton County. The sharp increase in transfers has raised fears among various community members, including those affiliated with local universities, urging for clearer policies regarding ICE. Notably, students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) rallied for protections, triggering discussions about the implications of ICE actions on educational access and student safety.
Allison Gorman, a key figure from Democracy in Action, characterized ICE as a “rogue agency” that disregards constitutional rights, reflecting broader community concerns over immigration enforcement practices. This sentiment is echoed in the state of Tennessee, where a total of 95 counties and 21 sheriff’s offices have adopted similar partnerships with ICE to enforce immigration laws.
Political perspectives vary among local Republican leaders as some advocate for stricter immigration policies, while others, such as Senator Todd Gardenhire, express support for broader educational access for children of unauthorized immigrants. The landscape of immigration enforcement in Tennessee was further solidified in 2023 with Governor Bill Lee signing legislation aimed at enhancing immigration enforcement, an initiative supported by the majority of the Republican Party.
Recent protests against ICE conduct reflect a significant rise in community activism regarding immigration policies and practices. Members of various local communities have voiced concerns over how these actions impact their neighborhoods, pushing for policies that promote safety and rights for all residents, including immigrants.
As Chattanooga joins other cities across the nation in protesting local immigration enforcement collaborations, the future of community relations and law enforcement methods remains uncertain. The ongoing tension underscores the need for constructive dialogue about immigration, law enforcement, and community safety in the face of rising enforcement actions.
FAQ
What prompted the protests in Chattanooga regarding ICE and the Sheriff’s Office?
Protests were sparked by community concerns over the Hamilton County Sheriff’s collaboration with ICE, particularly following a significant increase in individual transfers from the Sheriff’s Office to ICE.
What is the significance of the formal contract signed between the Sheriff’s Office and ICE?
The contract, signed in March, formalizes the partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and ICE, allowing for increased immigration enforcement activities in the Hamilton County area.
How has local immigration enforcement changed in recent months?
From February to April this year, the Sheriff’s Office transferred nearly five times more individuals to ICE compared to the same period last year, indicating a significant increase in local immigration enforcement activities.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protest Location | Miller Park, Chattanooga |
| Organizer | Democracy in Action |
| Protester Count | Approximately 150 |
| Key Messages | End collaboration between Hamilton County Sheriff and ICE |
| Transfer Increase | Transfer of individuals to ICE is nearly five times higher compared to last year |
| Legislation Support | Governor Bill Lee signed laws strengthening immigration enforcement |
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Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Times Free Press: Protesters Tell Hamilton County Sheriff to Cut Ties With ICE
- News Channel 9: Anti-Trump Protests Planned for Chattanooga, Dalton
- UTC Echo: Demonstrators Urge UTC to Clarify Stance on ICE
- Tennessean: Tennessee No Kings Protests Trump Birthday Military Parade
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga and Hamilton County Mayors Address Immigration Fears
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Google Search: Chattanooga protests ICE
- Google Scholar: ICE protests Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Law
- Google News: Chattanooga ICE protests
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
