NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As immigration operations continue throughout Middle Tennessee, several business groups are reporting a loss in workforce because workers are scared to leave their homes, according to NBC-affiliate WSMV.
The Tennessee Department of Homeland Security said that after a targeted operation in Nashville, more than 100 arrests were made during a joint operation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Authorities have not confirmed that the operations have ended, and workers in industries including hospitality and construction said they are fearful to leave their homes and go to work, even if they have work visas in hand.
“They’re afraid to even come to job sites now,” said one business owner. “They’re afraid of the permit office coming by and checking up and then calling ICE.”…