Nashville Standard

On Tuesday, Sen. Bill Hagerty shared concerns over the lack of transparency in the Department of Homeland Security's handling of migrant resettlement, as reported by Fox News. Hagerty revealed a letter from DHS notifying a government entity in Nashville that over 500 migrants were intended to resettle in the greater Nashville area for a specific week.

Hagerty criticized the Biden administration's approach, stating, "Americans are well aware that, under President Biden, every town is a border town." He expressed frustration at the administration's failure to provide adequate information on migrant resettlement efforts, despite repeated inquiries from members of Congress.

In response to the revelations, Hagerty set up a website for officials to submit similar letters they have received, aiming to increase public awareness about the issue. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for DHS clarified that the agency does not coordinate migrant travel but shares information with local officials and NGOs on migrants' intended destinations.

The ongoing tensions around migrant releases into the interior reflect broader disagreements on immigration policy. While the Biden administration seeks additional funding for removals, detention space, and support for cities and NGOs receiving migrants, Republicans like Hagerty attribute the border crisis to the administration's policies, advocating for measures like ending "catch-and-release" and stricter enforcement.

Customs and Border Protection recently announced a new record for migrant encounters in February, further intensifying the debate surrounding immigration policies and enforcement strategies.