Maryville, TN – A hearing on immigration at the Tennessee State Capitol on Wednesday morning was disrupted when three women were escorted out by Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers. The incident occurred during a session of the House Immigration Committee, which was discussing the controversial HB6001 immigration bill.
According to the committee chairman, the women were being disruptive and “snapping” during the hearing. After an argument broke out, one of the women was forcibly removed from her seat, pulled to the ground, and carried out by troopers. Two additional women were also escorted from the room. One of them had been actively testifying against the bill when she was removed.
The hearing focused on HB6001, which was filed by Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland). The bill, which has generated considerable debate, includes provisions aimed at enforcing federal immigration laws and penalizing officials who adopt sanctuary policies. If passed, the legislation would introduce incentives for promoting immigration enforcement, while also imposing penalties on local authorities that defy federal immigration law.
Additionally, HB6001 mandates that the Department of Safety issue temporary driver’s licenses to non-citizens rather than standard ones, in an effort to help determine voter eligibility. The bill also calls for a new division within the state government focused on immigration enforcement.
This legislation is part of a broader package of proposals being pushed during Gov. Bill Lee’s special session. The special session, which began the day before, is focused on several key issues, including Lee’s school choice initiative, a disaster relief package for those affected by Hurricane Helene, and preparations for changes in immigration policy under President Donald Trump’s administration.
On the previous day, the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee recommended HB6001 for passage, moving it on to the Judiciary Committee. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to strengthen immigration enforcement, while critics, including the women removed from the hearing, contend that it will have harmful effects on immigrant communities.
As the debate over HB6001 continues, tensions at the State Capitol are expected to remain high.
