One Tennessee lawmaker invoked Jesus, and a Republican admitted he agrees with President Joe Biden on at least one thing during discussions this month on a bill aimed at unauthorized immigrants in the state.
On Monday, lawmakers approved the bill, which is awaiting a signature from Gov. Bill Lee. It would require Tennessee law enforcement officers to report to federal authorities when they know someone in their custody is an unauthorized immigrant.
It also requires local agencies to cooperate with federal efforts to identify, detain and deport unauthorized immigrants.
Supporters of the bill said it would help enforce immigration policy and keep U.S. citizens safe, and opponents said it could put an extra burden on local officers and has the potential to unfairly target immigrants.