State Rep. Todd Warner’s claim on Fox & Friends that over one-third of Williamson County criminal cases involve illegal immigrants has sparked controversy, raising questions about media accountability.
A claim by State Representative Todd Warner (R-Chapel Hill) on Fox & Friends that over one-third of criminal cases in Williamson County involve illegal immigrants has ignited a bit of a media firestorm and left residents demanding answers. However, questions have also emerged surrounding The Tennessee Star’s reporting on the matter, as the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to TruthWire News that the publication did not contact them to verify Warner’s statement—despite The Star’s implication that it had sought confirmation.
In Warner’s televised appearance, he cited a private meeting with Williamson County judges and officials, where he says a judge disclosed the troubling statistic. Some media outlets, including The Tennessee Star, cast doubt on the meeting’s existence.
However, Gary Humble, executive director of Tennessee Stands, has produced video evidence confirming the gathering occurred. This undermines The Star’s narrative that Warner’s claims were baseless or fabricated.
The meeting, reportedly hosted at Judge Deanna Johnson’s home on December 11, was attended by several judges and elected officials, as Humble’s video proves.
TruthWire reached out to Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Hughes to confirm whether The Star had contacted his office for verification of Warner’s statement. Sheriff Hughes responded unequivocally that neither he nor his staff received such an inquiry.
TruthWire News also contacted Judge David Veile, but did not receive a response before this article went to press.
This information raises thought provoking questions about The Star’s reporting. While the publication implied Warner’s claim was unsubstantiated due to a lack of confirmation, the sheriff’s office’s lack of contact suggests the issue was never investigated thoroughly. If The Star failed to contact the sheriff, is it reasonable to question whether they reached out to any of the other officials involved in the meeting? Only The Star reporter and its publisher know the answer, and TruthWire News is not implying intentional misdirection.
Warner’s comments have resonated with many Williamson County residents, who are increasingly uneasy about the rising presence of illegal immigrants and the crimes associated with it. Recent incidents have added to the tension. One local resident reached out to TruthWire, and described a nerve-wracking encounter with three unmarked white trucks, each filled with Hispanic men, that appeared to be coordinating their movements.
The woman, a longtime resident of Williamson County, recounted being boxed in by the trucks and observed the men attempting to exit their vehicles as the light turned green. Her quick thinking and maneuvering allowed her to escape, but the experience left her shaken and more vigilant.
Incidents like these, coupled with violent crimes such as the recent armed robbery and assault at the Grassland Sonic, have heightened community anxieties. While Williamson County has historically been one of the safest in Middle Tennessee, many residents now feel they must adopt heightened vigilance in their daily lives.
Warner’s comments about the impact of illegal immigration come amid broader concerns about Tennessee’s ability to address these issues effectively. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has confirmed the presence of the Tren de Aragua gang in the state, a Venezuelan crime syndicate known for human trafficking and organized theft. Warner’s proposed legislation aims to give law enforcement more tools to detain illegal immigrants and transfer them to sanctuary cities if federal authorities fail to take custody.
Yet, Warner’s stance on illegal immigration isn’t the only reason he has found himself in the crosshairs. His outspoken opposition to school vouchers—a key priority of Governor Bill Lee and establishment Republicans—has made him a target within his own party. Warner’s commitment to defeating the voucher legislation in the upcoming session has positioned him as a thorn in the side of the political establishment, which appears more focused on education policy than addressing the immediate public safety concerns tied to illegal immigration.
The controversy surrounding The Tennessee Star’s reporting further highlights the need for accountability in both media and government TruthWire News has confirmed that The Star did not contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and the revelation from Tennessee Stands’ Gary Humble confirms that the private meeting Warner referenced did, in fact, take place.
Residents are left questioning why the focus seems to be on discrediting Warner rather than addressing the substance of his claims. If one-third of criminal cases in Williamson County truly involve illegal immigrants, this represents a significant public safety issue that demands immediate attention. Even if the exact figure is disputed, the rise in crimes linked to illegal immigration is undeniable and requires a concerted effort from local and state officials.
As Williamson County residents grapple with these realities, Warner’s call for action resonates with those who feel their concerns are being ignored by a political establishment fixated on other priorities. The revelation that The Tennessee Star may not have fully investigate Warner’s claims undermines their reporting and highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing these pressing issues.
Tennesseans deserve a media and political leadership that prioritizes their safety and well-being. The focus should remain on the rising crime rates and the challenges posed by illegal immigration, not on discrediting those who dare to speak out. With the legislative session approaching, Warner’s efforts to tackle these issues will test whether Tennessee’s leaders are willing to put public safety above political agendas.
See TruthWire News interview with Representative Todd Warner as he talks about the goals of this legislation and how he endeavors to try and protect Tennesseeans all over the state from the harms that have been imported to The Volunteer State via the Biden Administration, and a feckless, complacent Republican "super majority" who failed to act more aggressively.
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