117 people arrested in ICE enforcement operation in East Tennessee
May 24, 2026·Location: Knoxville, TN

ICE New Orleans conducted a week-long enforcement operation in Sevier County and surrounding areas in East Tennessee from May 24-31, 2026, resulting in 117 arrests. The operation targeted noncitizens, some of whom had prior criminal convictions. According to ICE, those arrested included individuals with convictions for assault, driving under the influence, and other offenses, though some may have faced immigration charges rather than criminal prosecution.
Sources
More incidents in Tennessee
- Son released after ICE traffic stop, mother still detained in AlabamaSep 24, 2026 · Sevierville, TN
- Chattanooga teen deported with family after ICE stop, says agents lied to themSep 16, 2026 · Chattanooga, TN
- ICE partnerships grow to 139 Tennessee agencies, though 11 sheriffs still not signed onSep 16, 2026 · Nashville, TN
- Mother deported after Memphis nightclub raid, four children left with grandmotherSep 15, 2026 · Memphis, TN
- Venezuelan mother of three detained by ICE in TennesseeSep 15, 2026 · TN
- Guatemalan man deported after Tennessee prison releaseSep 7, 2026 · Nashville, TN