Rep. Gabby Salinas Wants to Ban ICE From Schools, Churches

State Rep. Gabby Salinas (D-Memphis) on Thursday unveiled legislation, House Bill 1482, that would designate schools and church properties in Tennessee as “safe spaces” from immigration enforcement actions by federal agents, a move that has ignited both applause and fierce debate statewide.

Under the language of HB1482, as filed by Salinas and due to be introduced when the Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes in Nashville next week, “Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel are barred from entering all Pre-K through 12 school grounds and all church properties without first providing notice to the governing authority of such institution.”

That notification would require at least 48 hours’ advance written notice except in cases where life-threatening emergencies are certified in writing by a local law enforcement chief.

“Too many families here in Memphis live in fear that routine school days or moments of worship could be disrupted by federal enforcement,” Salinas said in a statement, tying the bill to national reports of aggressive ICE actions. “This bill affirms that our schools and churches should be sanctuaries of learning and faith, not scenes of fear.”

Maria Alvarez of the Memphis Immigrant Solidarity Network praised Salinas’s leadership, saying the bill “protects children’s education and families’ spiritual life without jeopardizing community trust.” “We see this as a humane policy grounded in local safety,” Alvarez added.

As lawmakers prepare committee hearings next week, both sides say they are ready for spirited debate over the bill’s constitutionality and community impact.

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