👮 Are Nashville’s police helping ICE?

💰 Mayor’s State of Metro Address

On today’s Friday News Roundup, we’re chatting about Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s State of Metro address, from a potential grocery tax cut to his criticism of the state and federal government, and when he plans to release his budget. Plus, the Nashville Department of Transportation responds to our request for more information about Vision Zero funding. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• Nashville’s Vision Zero plan calls for no fatalities on our roads, but pedestrian deaths are rising. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

👮 Is the MNPD Helping ICE?

Several councilmembers missed O’Connell’s State of Metro address in response to a large Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence at an Antioch apartment complex. ICE arrested one person amid protests. [Fox 17]

• Music City Migra Watch volunteer Ashley Warbington, who was present during the ICE enforcement, told us that around 20 ICE agents and 15 Metro Nashville Police officers were involved in the arrest. MNPD were actively helping ICE secure the perimeter, even laying hands on people who tried to cross the line. There was at least one child on the premises during the arrest, where ICE used a flash grenade.
• When Warbington arrived, ICE agents and MNPD officers were asking for a certain person, whose name she didn’t want to disclose. According to residents and volunteers, the agents were at the wrong house and arrested someone with a different name. Neighbors say the man ICE arrested was quiet and respectful, and would walk outside with his family.
• MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron says they were not involved in the operation, and officers were present in response to a call that an individual had been struck by an ICE vehicle. After the responding officers learned of the protest, they “had the mission of keeping the peace between the parties.” [🔐 The Tennessean]
• Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda is urging folks to shop and eat at local immigrant-owned businesses, as it seems like ICE enforcement is ramping up again. [Instagram]

✈️ BNA Closes Observation Area

The Nashville International Airport is closing its Donelson aircraft observation area at the end of Vultee Boulevard off Briley Parkway. A BNA spokesperson says the area is closing for development opportunities on the west side of the airport. [WKRN]

• Do you know of other places where folks (like my kid) can watch the planes? Email me! I’ll share responses.

🏛️ Lawmaker Calls for Redistricting

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court striking down a provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Sen. Marsha Blackburn is urging Tennessee lawmakers to redraw the state’s districts to eliminate our only Democratic-held Congressional district, in Memphis. Lawmakers redrew Nashville’s districts in 2022 to eliminate the city’s Democratic-held seat. [Tennessee Lookout]

• On social media, Pres. Trump claimed he spoke with Gov. Bill Lee about redistricting Tennessee. [🔐 The Tennessean]
• Blackburn is running for governor of Tennessee this November. [Nashville Banner]

Join me in wishing the very happiest of birthdays to Archie! This rescue recently turned seven. While Archie was never trained as a therapy dog, he helps ease his veteran dad’s PTSD symptoms, and instinctively knows what to do. He’s the bestestest of dogs.

Archie, love you lots, sweet birthday boy! 🎂

Have a pet you’d like to share with readers? Email me pics!