NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, this week passed legislation to improve public safety in Tennessee by cracking down on human smuggling and illegal immigration. House Bill 322 creates a Class E felony for human smuggling that will apply to anyone who harbors and conceals illegal immigrants from detection by law enforcement […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, this week passed legislation to improve public safety in Tennessee by cracking down on human smuggling and illegal immigration.
House Bill 322 creates a Class E felony for human smuggling that will apply to anyone who harbors and conceals illegal immigrants from detection by law enforcement for a financial gain. The penalty will increase to a Class A felony when the victim is under 13 years old.
“The effects of former President Joe Biden’s dangerous illegal immigration policies are still being felt across our nation,” Todd said. “While the Trump administration has worked to secure our borders, we must do what it takes to protect Tennesseans and the victims of the horrific human trafficking crisis. The passage of this legislation marks an important step in making the Volunteer State safer by holding accountable the people who commit these heinous crimes.”
This new law will allow the Tennessee Attorney General to take action against any individual or organization suspected of committing a human smuggling or trafficking offense in the Volunteer State.
Human smuggling is a multi-billion-dollar industry that serves as a “gateway crime” for illegal immigration, gang activity, financial fraud, and terrorism, according to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General found that nearly 18,000 unaccompanied children were released into Tennessee between 2021 and 2024. The condition and whereabouts of some of these children are not known, DHS says.
Government data shows that more than 600,000 children have entered the United States without a parent or legal guardian since 2019. Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari has warned that not tracking these children increases their risk of trafficking, exploitation and forced labor.
House Bill 322 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law. It will take effect July 1, 2025.
State Rep. Chris Todd represents House District 73, which includes most of Madison County. He is chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.