The Tennessee Senate passed Senate Bill 6002 (SB6002), an immigration enforcement measure expanding
state and local authority to enforce federal immigration laws. The bill passed 26–7.
Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga) was the only Republican to vote against the bill.
Republican Senators Who Voted for SB6002
- Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville) Military: U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) · Age: ~70 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Medicine, public health, veteran advocacy
- Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Age: ~55 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Agriculture, trucking - Mike Bell (R-Riceville) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Age: ~54 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, 2A advocacy - Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma) – Voted in favor.
Military: Former U.S. Air Force Captain · Age: ~75 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Education reform, veteran affairs - Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) – Voted in favor.
Military: U.S. Army Veteran · Age: ~73 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Healthcare policy, community outreach - Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville) – Voted in favor.
Military: USMC Lt. Colonel (Ret.) · Age: ~81 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Education, military affairs - Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Age: ~72 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Pharmacy, healthcare reform - Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Age: ~55 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Real estate, business development - Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Age: ~47 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Constitutional law, gun rights advocacy - Ed Jackson (R-Jackson) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Age: ~72 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Business advocacy, hunting - Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Age: ~75 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Farming, agriculture policy - Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Age: ~67 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Small business development - Bill Powers (R-Clarksville) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Age: ~65 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Economic policy, trade advocacy - Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Age: ~55 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Healthcare business, fitness - Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Race: White · Hobbies: Outdoor sports, small business advocacy - John Stevens (R-Huntingdon) – Voted in favor.
Military: None confirmed · Race: White · Hobbies: Law, constitutional rights - Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol) – Voted in favor.
Military: Former U.S. Navy Officer · Age: ~55 · Race: White · Net worth: n/a · Hobbies: Journalism, veterans’ affairs
Conclusion: What Comes Next?
- Supporters say SB6002 strengthens state enforcement and limits access to state resources for undocumented immigrants.
- Opponents argue it could spur racial profiling, legal challenges, and disproportionate detentions.
Historical patterns to watch: While SB6002 is not Nazi Germany, history shows policies targeting specific groups can expand over time (e.g., Jim Crow voting restrictions to segregation; Japanese internment; early Nazi legal restrictions escalating to persecution).
With SB6002 passed, questions remain: Should the law expand? Should Tennesseans resist? Will history repeat? Stay informed; watch closely.