TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Mar 10, 2026

Nashville Noticias reporter Estefany Rodríguez Florez was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week and is being held in a jail in Alabama, prompting support from national media organizations including the Committee to Protect Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors, the Nashville Post reports. Rodríguez, a Colombian immigrant who applied for political asylum in 2021, and has reported extensively on ICE operations in Middle Tennessee, was arrested outside a South Nashville gym. Her legal team claims the arrest lacked a warrant and has filed an emergency petition seeking her release, according to WKRN. In response, government attorneys said there was a warrant. They also state that her B2 tourist visa had expired, and claims of a work permit or asylum application do not negate the fact that "she is an undocumented alien." A hearing on the matter is expected on March 21.