NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, creating the offense of human smuggling has been signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee. Public Chapter 424 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 […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, creating the offense of human smuggling has been signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee.
Public Chapter 424 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 human smuggling industry exploits vulnerable individuals and poses a serious threat to national security,” said Todd. “This new law will protect victims, hold offenders and criminal organizations accountable and improve public safety in the Volunteer State. I thank Gov. Lee and my colleagues in the General Assembly for supporting this measure and advocating for a better Tennessee.”
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.
Public Chapter 424 takes 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.