From Quiet County to Federal Target- ICE in Wilson County

In Wilson County, Tennessee, a place long seen as a quiet rural community removed from the

reach of federal policy, that sense of distance is beginning to disappear. Under the

administration of Donald Trump, immigration enforcement is no longer something happening in

faraway cities. It is now unfolding here at home. In recent weeks, agents with U.S. Immigration

and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE, have been seen operating at the Wilson

County courthouse. Their presence appears to be focused on busy court days, when more

people are required to appear. This activity comes after the county sheriff confirmed that in

January, Wilson County entered into a 287(g) agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security. That agreement allows local law enforcement to work more closely with federal

immigration officials. The community response has been immediate. After the Department of

Homeland Security indicated it was considering purchasing property in the county, more than

one hundred residents showed up to a County Commission meeting to speak out. At the

February 13 meeting, speaker after speaker made it clear that they did not want an expanded

ICE presence in Wilson County.

By March 24, those concerns had turned into something more direct. Community members

reported that ICE agents were waiting outside the Wilson County Criminal Justice Center,

positioned near the main entrance. According to multiple accounts, agents watched for people

arriving for scheduled court appearances and detained some individuals before they were able

to enter the building. Community leaders also stated that at least two of those detained had

lawful work visas, raising concerns about who is being targeted and why. Video from the scene

shows residents confronting agents and demanding that they release the individuals being

detained. At times, agents stepped back to their vehicles but remained nearby, appearing to wait

for more people to arrive for court. Roughly thirty five minutes later, another incident unfolded. A

young man approached the courthouse for what was supposed to be his day in court. According

to an on site observer, two masked agents got out of an unmarked vehicle and moved quickly to

detain him. Witnesses said the agents did not clearly identify themselves before grabbing the

man and forcing him to the ground as he called out for help.

People nearby began shouting for the agents to stop and leave him alone. One woman could be

seen crying and pleading with them as the situation escalated. Deputies from the Wilson County

Sheriff’s Office were present during the incident and appeared to help secure the scene while

the arrest took place. Robert Bryan was also seen outside during the enforcement activity. At

one point, a resident approached him and demanded to know why he was not intervening,

questioning the department’s role in what was happening. The exchange reflected the growing

tension between local officials and members of the community. For many in Wilson County, the

events of March 24 marked a turning point. What once felt distant now feels immediate. Federal

immigration enforcement is no longer an abstract issue. It is happening at the courthouse steps,

in full view of the public.

In the aftermath of these events, we spoke with local leaders to better understand how officials

are responding. Geri Ashley said she was opposed to what she described as violent ICE

operations and emphasized that immigration laws can be enforced without putting people at risk

or creating fear in the community. She told us she plans to look into what actions, if any, the citycan take and that she intends to speak with the police chief to confirm whether local law

enforcement is working with ICE and to gather more information. We also attempted to speak

with Rick Bell, but were unable to secure time with him that day. A representative from his office

told us they were not aware of ICE activity in Lebanon or at the courthouse prior to our inquiry.

They said they would look into the situation and ensure the mayor was informed. When we

contacted the office of Randall Hutto, we were told that there was little the county mayor could

do directly and that questions about enforcement should be directed to the sheriff. Repeated

attempts to reach the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office for comment were unsuccessful. Calls went

unanswered, and on multiple attempts, we were unable to leave a voicemail after the line

disconnected. As of publication, the sheriff has not publicly responded to these incidents or to

concerns raised by members of the community.

What emerges is a picture of limited local accountability and unclear lines of authority. City

officials appear to be seeking answers but acknowledge there are limits to what they can do

without coordination from the state or county. At the county level, leadership has largely

deferred responsibility, pointing back to the sheriff’s office, which has yet to provide public

comment. This stands in contrast to the visible response from the community. Residents have

spoken out at public meetings, confronted agents in real time, and continue to demand clarity

about what is happening in their county. Many are not just asking for answers but calling for an

end to ICE presence altogether. The divide between residents and local leadership is becoming

more apparent. While county officials have previously stated opposition to the idea of an ICE

detention facility, that position has not translated into broader action on enforcement activity now

taking place. At the city level, officials took a more formal step during earlier discussions by

passing a resolution opposing the construction of an ICE facility in Lebanon. While largely

symbolic in terms of enforcement power, it represents a clearer public stance than what has

been seen at the county level.

As enforcement actions continue, many residents are left with the same question. If federal

immigration operations are happening in full view of the public, and local officials say their power

is limited, then who is accountable to the people of Wilson County?