TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jul 21, 2025

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem advised Nashville residents who are in the country illegally to self-deport during a visit to Nashville International Airport last week. The government is providing a $1,000 stipend and the chance to reenter the country legally for those who take advantage of the offer. Noem was in town to unveil a new express security lane for military members and their families, The Tennessean reports. She also used the visit to reiterate the administration's position that the Nashville government "really put ... lives at risk" when it released the names of several agents involved in local detention actions. ICE has confirmed the arrest of 544 migrants in the region since May 2. Just before Noem's remarks, airport security escorted Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, from the event. He said he was there to get answers for constituents who have been arrested by ICE, according to the paper. Noem also visited the Nashville ICE office and made comments there, the Nashville Post reports.