The state is fighting to keep information confidential about the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s participation in mass immigration sweeps earlier this year, arguing in court that the highly politicized nature of the enforcement activities could make troopers a target of violence or harassment if made public.
The state’s arguments mirror those of federal immigration officials who have contended that agents with Immigration and Customs and Enforcement, or ICE, need to conceal their identities to protect themselves and their families from retaliation as they carry out mass enforcement responsibilities.
The arguments came as the state defended itself in a public records lawsuit filed in Davidson County Chancery Court by the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition…