The March 4 arrest of Nashville Noticias reporter Estefany Maria Rodríguez Florez by ICE agents drew national attention. (Photo: courtesy of Nashville Noticias)
President Donald Trump’s second term was marked by aggressive attacks on the press, resulting in access restrictions, the search of a reporter’s home, heated public confrontations and even arrests.
journalist Estefany Rodriguez was arrested and detained in Tennessee by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on March 4, 2026. The Nashville Noticias reporter was held in ICE custody for 15 days.
Since her release, Rodríguez and her lawyers have claimed in court that the federal government violated her First and Fifth Amendment rights. They claim Rodríguez’s arrest is related to her reporting on ICE activities in Middle Tennessee in recent months.
The case raises the question: Given the increasing threats to journalists under Trump’s second term, how will journalists be protected?
In episode 23 you will hear from Tennessee Lookout senior reporter Anita Wadhwani. She has reported on the Rodríguez case and the reaction from members of the Tennessee media community.
Journalists and news outlets across the country are once again trying to figure out how to report during these times.
Lisa ZychermanVice President of the Legal Programs of Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, helps out. The organization provides legal services and resources to journalists to protect First Amendment freedoms and reporters’ news-gathering rights.
Finally, Evening wrapping Newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s seeing.
Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States, composed by David Singer.
Click Here for the full transcript.
Relevant reading from state newsrooms and partners:
- Nashville journalist released from ICE custody describes allegations of retaliation (Tennessee Lookout)
- The Republican “anti-SLAPP” bill, defeated by a lawmaker who targeted the local newspaper, fails (Wisconsin Examiner)
- First Amendment lawyers say ICE monitors in Minneapolis are protected by the Constitution (Minnesota Reformer)
- The Missouri Senate passes a bill targeting baseless free speech lawsuits (Missouri Independent)
This podcast is produced by States Newsrooma nonprofit news station that includes West Virginia Watch and is a 501c(3) charity supported by grants and a coalition of donors.
