KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Federal immigration officers arrested 117 illegal immigrants during a weeklong enforcement operation in East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains region, ICE announced, targeting individuals with criminal records in one of the state’s most heavily visited tourist corridors.
The operation, conducted from May 24 to May 31 in Sevier County and surrounding areas, was led by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, including agencies operating under the 287(g) program that deputizes local officers for immigration enforcement. Among those arrested were illegal immigrants with convictions for theft, domestic assault, driving while intoxicated, and attempted aggravated sexual battery.
“This enforcement operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the safety of the community and its visitors,” said Brian Acuna, acting field office director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans. “By focusing our enforcement efforts on individuals who pose the greatest risk, and with the support of our 287(g) partners, we help ensure Tennessee communities remain safe for residents and tourists.”
Sevier County is home to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — the most visited national park in the United States, drawing millions of tourists annually. The operation’s location in a high-traffic tourism zone underscores the scale of illegal immigration in areas well beyond the southern border.
“In partnership with ICE and other area law enforcement agencies, the Sevierville Police Department is working to create safer streets, protect families, and ensure Sevierville, Sevier County, and East Tennessee remain great places to live, work and enjoy,” said Sevierville Police Deputy Chief Sam Hinson.
Some of those arrested may face additional federal criminal charges for illegal reentry into the United States under 8 U.S.C. § 1326. ICE said it can immediately remove illegal immigrants who have final orders of removal and who re-entered the country after a prior deportation. Those without final orders will remain in ICE custody pending immigration court proceedings.
ICE stated that all illegal immigrants in its custody receive full due process and that all who violate U.S. immigration law “are subject to arrest and detention, regardless of their criminal histories.”