SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – New details are emerging about a federal immigration enforcement operation in Sevier County that resulted in 117 arrests and has sparked both support and concern across the community.
Operation Smoky Mountains was carried out from May 24 through May 30, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents working alongside the Sevierville Police Department and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office.
ICE officials said several of those arrested had prior criminal histories. Among them were individuals facing charges ranging from driving under the influence and domestic assault to drug possession and probation violations. Others included an 18-year-old who pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated sexual battery and a woman with a previous aggravated assault arrest and theft conviction.
Local law enforcement agencies confirmed their involvement through the federal 287(g) program, which allows trained officers to assist with immigration enforcement.
Sevierville Police Chief Joseph Manning said officers only act when immigration issues arise during criminal investigations.
“We don’t conduct operations solely to locate persons who may be of interest to ICE,” Manning said in a statement. “If we encounter someone during a criminal investigation who may be of interest to ICE, they may be held at ICE’s request.”
Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges said his department played a supporting role, with only one officer authorized to function with federal immigration authority in the field.
“They come into the county with specific targets, and we assist with that process,” Hodges said. “The rest of our staff does not have the authority to make immigration-based arrests.”
According to Hodges, all 117 individuals were processed and transferred out of Sevier County within 48 hours.
However, Sevierville immigration attorney William Wheatley said many of those detained did not have criminal charges. He said his firm received numerous calls from concerned families and has taken on several clients connected to the operation.
Wheatley described one case involving a man who had lived in the United States for more than a decade after entering legally from Venezuela. The man had applied for asylum, obtained legal work authorization and paid taxes, according to Wheatley.
Despite being cleared in a Gatlinburg traffic accident, ICE later took the man and his mother into custody at their home. Wheatley said he recently secured bond for the man, who has since returned to East Tennessee while his asylum case continues.
Wheatley noted that those arrested were initially taken to Knoxville before being transferred to detention facilities in Alabama and later Louisiana, making it more difficult to gather documentation for their legal cases.
“Being in detention creates a very difficult situation getting documentation to support their claims,” Wheatley said.
Immigration advocates say the operation has increased fear among immigrant communities. The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition said enforcement efforts like this can discourage people from engaging in everyday activities or seeking help when needed.
Sheriff Hodges defended the operation, saying it was conducted professionally and respectfully.
“Every person we take into custody, we try to treat with dignity and respect,” he said.
He also noted that no children were separated from their parents during the operation, though there were instances where separations could have occurred.
ICE officials said their enforcement mission remains unchanged and emphasized that individuals in the country unlawfully are subject to arrest and deportation.
Hodges added that similar operations are likely in the future, though no specific timeline has been announced.
