Reporter covering immigration enforcement detained by ICE agents

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - A Nashville reporter has been detained by federal agents.

Estefany Rodriguez, a reporter for Nashville Noticias and Univision 42 Nashville, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents outside of a gym Wednesday morning.

Rodriguez had been covering ICE activity throughout the city before being detained.

Officials said Rodriguez is an illegal alien from Colombia and was arrested during a targeted enforcement operation.

According to ICE, Rodriguez entered the country with a tourist visa on March 10, 2021, which was valid until March 23, 2021.

Officials said Rodriguez is in violation of the conditions of her visa and currently has no lawful immigration status while failing to show up to two immigration interview dates, making her a flight risk.

“All individuals who violate U.S. immigration law are subject to arrest and detention, regardless of their criminal histories,” authorities said.

Rodriguez was with her husband, who is a U.S. citizen, when she was reportedly pulled over. Her attorney says she came to the U.S. legally, sponsored by her husband and has a pending green card application.

According to Rodriguez’s attorney, she also has a pending asylum application after seeking refuge from Colombia, as her life was threatened in Colombia due to her reporting on the armed militia.

Nashville Noticias said it respects the laws of the U.S. and hopes this situation can be resolved favorably.

“She needs to reunite with her young daughter and husband to continue her legal process within the framework permitted by law,” the company said in a statement.

Rodriguez’s attorneys have filed a petition for an immediate review of her detention to determine whether or not it’s legal.

The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition has also filed a petition and a bond motion has been filed with the immigration court.

Copyright 2026 WSMV via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.