While sanctuary cities are illegal in Tennessee, the state can’t punish officials for voting for sanctuary policies

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - While Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti remains steadfast that sanctuary cities in the state are illegal, a new law punishing lawmakers for voting for sanctuary policies is unprosecutable, according to him.

Skrmetti released the following statement to WSMV4 on whether or not the state could actually punish local officials for voting for sanctuary policies.

“The law is clear: sanctuary cities are illegal in Tennessee. But in response to a recent lawsuit, our office has determined we cannot defend provisions of a new law that punish local officials for voting for sanctuary policies.

The Constitution provides absolute immunity for all legislative votes, whether at the federal, state, or local levels.

Regardless of these challenged sections, Tennessee