NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Memphis Receives National Guard Support
For the past two weeks, Memphis has been seeing an increase in National Guard troops following President Donald Trump’s announcement about deploying them to various cities. On Friday, more details about the plan emerged, which differs significantly from actions taken in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
Tennessee’s Governor Bill Lee revealed that this military presence is part of a broader initiative to tackle crime in the city. This effort will include collaboration with 13 federal agencies and state police. The deployed National Guard troops will be sourced from within Tennessee and are expected to assist local law enforcement.
The Republican governor clarified that the military personnel won’t be authorized to make arrests and will only carry arms if it’s deemed necessary by local law enforcement. Initially, Lee estimated that about 150 security personnel would be deployed to Memphis, though he acknowledged that those figures remain in the planning phase.
A statement on the city’s website indicated that security personnel would be easily identifiable in their standard uniforms, and they wouldn’t be wearing masks. Notably, armored vehicles will not be utilized for this mission.
“The Memphis crime situation is likely to be a thing of the past,” Lee asserted during a press conference where he met with city, state, and federal officials, including Memphis’s mayor and police chief. He announced the formation of what he calls the “Memphis Safe Task Force,” which is set to commence operations next week, although he couldn’t provide a precise timeline for when resources will be deployed.
Trump’s broader strategy began in Los Angeles back in June, despite some resistance from Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. The deployment included security guards and active Marines to support law enforcement during arrests related to immigration.
In contrast, Memphis Mayor Paul Young has taken a more pragmatic stance, stating he never requested the National Guard but acknowledged their impending arrival. “My focus is on finding effective ways to use these resources when they arrive and ensuring our residents see the benefits,” he said. Young also noted that although crime rates are decreasing, there’s still much work to be done to reassure the public.
Both Young and Lee stressed that this increase in resources is intended to be a long-term solution rather than a quick fix. “It will work for as long as necessary,” Lee remarked.
He emphasized that Memphis should feel like a safe city, a place where families can go out without worry. He aims for Memphis to be recognized as one of the safest cities in America.
The effort will also be supported by substantial financial resources, with the state committing $100 million to the Memphis Public Safety Initiative and deploying 300 state troops for the operation, which significantly boosts the local law enforcement presence. Memphis Police has over 2,000 full-time officers, while the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office consists of more than 600 law enforcement members.
Trump had announced on September 12 on Fox News his plans to send the National Guard to Memphis, signing an order on September 15 to establish a law enforcement task force for this mission. He has also hinted at sending troops to cities like Chicago, New Orleans, and Portland, suggesting some level of unilateral action as needed.
