National Guard Troops Begin Patrols in Memphis Amid Federal Task Force Operations
As part of a new federal initiative, National Guard troops have commenced patrols in Memphis, Tennessee. This development was confirmed by the Memphis Police Department to NPR. The deployment is a component of a broader strategy, initiated by President Trump, to address crime in Memphis through a specialized task force.
The task force, which became operational last week, involves collaboration among several federal agencies. The Trump administration has previously characterized Memphis as facing severe levels of violent crime that have strained the local government’s response capabilities. This initiative follows a presidential memorandum aimed at restoring law and order in the city.
While a few Guard members were already in the city for preparatory purposes, the exact number of troops to be deployed remains uncertain. Their presence is under the command of Tennessee’s governor, differing from other states such as California, Oregon, and Illinois, where troop deployments have been directed by the Trump administration and are currently under legal scrutiny.
Purpose and Function of the Guard in Memphis
The federal task force in Memphis is designed to mirror a similar initiative in Washington, D.C. In Memphis, the troops will focus on crime reduction, immigration law enforcement, and support for local police in recruitment and training efforts. The presence of Guard members aligns with a detailed presidential memorandum which outlines the scope of their activities, including potential mobilization of additional personnel from other states if required.
The task force comprises members from 13 U.S. agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee stated that the troops would serve in support roles without engaging in arrests, remaining unarmed unless specifically requested by local law enforcement. This operation is planned to unfold in phases over the coming months.
A website launched by the city government describes the Guard as “extra eyes and ears” for local and federal agencies. They will be recognizable in standard uniforms and will not use armored tanks in their operations.
Local Reactions and Perspectives
Governor Lee has expressed support for the federal assistance and has maintained ongoing communication with the Trump administration to leverage federal and state resources in tackling crime in Memphis. During a visit to the White House, Lee remarked, “I’m tired of crime holding the great city of Memphis back.”
Conversely, Memphis Mayor Paul Young has approached the deployment with caution. In a recent newsletter, he questioned the efficacy of the Guard in reducing crime but acknowledged the potential benefits in addressing urban challenges such as homelessness and blight.
Despite ongoing efforts and investments in urban beautification and crime reduction, Memphis continues to combat high crime rates, with over 340 homicides reported in 2023. The city is already active in several joint state and federal task forces, including collaborations with the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and ICE.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
