ICE Arrests 117 in East Tennessee: What to Do If Detained
In one week, ICE agents swept through Sevier County, Tennessee, and arrested 117 people. Some had criminal records — but others now face immigration court with no guarantee of what comes next. If you live in Tennessee or anywhere ICE is active, knowing your rights before an arrest could make all the difference.
What happened in East Tennessee
From May 24 to May 31, ICE New Orleans — working with federal, state, and local law enforcement — carried out a targeted enforcement operation in Sevier County and nearby areas of East Tennessee. By the end of the week, 117 people had been arrested on criminal or administrative immigration charges.
Among those arrested were people with prior convictions for theft, domestic assault, driving while intoxicated (DWI), and attempted aggravated sexual battery. ICE said some of those arrested may also face additional federal criminal charges for illegal reentry — that is, returning to the United States after being previously deported. The operation was carried out in part through the 287(g) program, which allows local police departments to act as immigration enforcement partners with ICE.
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Immigrant rights, appeals and protective measures
ICE Acting Field Office Director Brian Acuna said the operation focused on people who "pose the greatest risk" to the community. People who already have a final order of removal (a judge's decision ordering them deported) and who reentered the U.S. can be removed quickly. Those without a final order will stay in ICE custody while their cases go through immigration court — a process that can take months or longer.
What this means for immigrants in the area
Not everyone arrested in an ICE operation has a criminal record. Administrative arrests can include people who overstayed a visa, entered without authorization, or violated the terms of their immigration status. If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an immigration lawyer. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the country.
What to do
- Know your rights now, before any encounter. You have the right to remain silent during an ICE stop or arrest. Do not sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first.
- Contact an immigration attorney immediately if you or a family member is detained. A lawyer can request a bond hearing (a court hearing to decide if you can be released while your case continues) and review your options in removal proceedings.
- Write down your attorney's phone number and keep it with you at all times. If detained, you may not have access to your phone.
- If you have a removal order deadline coming up, note that you have 30 days to appeal an order of removal and 90 days to file a motion to reopen your case. Missing these deadlines can end your options.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Appealing to the BIA”.
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Anyone caught in an ICE enforcement sweep should immediately invoke their right to remain silent and request an attorney — these rights apply regardless of immigration status. If a family member is detained, act fast: you have 30 days to appeal a removal order and 90 days to file a motion to reopen, and missing either deadline can permanently close off legal options. An immigration attorney can also request a bond hearing to seek release from detention while the case proceeds — consult one as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE arrest me even if I have no criminal record?
Yes. ICE makes both criminal and administrative arrests. An administrative arrest can happen if you overstayed a visa, entered without authorization, or violated your immigration status — even with no criminal history.
What happens after ICE arrests someone?
If the person has a final order of removal and reentered the U.S. after deportation, ICE can remove them quickly. If there is no final order, the person stays in ICE custody and goes through immigration court proceedings. Everyone in ICE custody has the right to due process.
How long do I have to appeal a deportation order?
You have 30 days to appeal an order of removal. You also have 90 days to file a motion to reopen your case if new facts or evidence come up. Both deadlines are strict — missing them can eliminate your legal options.
What is the 287(g) program mentioned in the ICE statement?
The 287(g) program lets local police departments partner with ICE to help enforce immigration law. This means local officers in participating counties can make immigration arrests, not just federal agents.