Memphis Republicans Seek Continued Federal Law Enforcement Support
Memphis-area House Republicans are pushing to maintain a federal law enforcement presence in the city following President Trump’s initiative to tackle crime. Representative David Kustoff, who represents parts of the Memphis metro area, spent Thursday collaborating with the newly established Memphis Safety Task Force.
He expressed to Fox News Digital that the task force could serve as a model for addressing crime in other major U.S. cities, but emphasized the need for a plan to ensure ongoing support after the task force concludes its work in Memphis.
“Given the dwindling number of local law enforcement agencies, increasing federal law enforcement presence seems practical,” Kustoff noted.
Kustoff committed to working alongside Tennessee officials and the Trump administration to secure a lasting federal law enforcement presence once the task force’s mission wraps up. The Memphis Safety Task Force was initiated on September 15 as part of a broader effort by Trump to combat violent crime, which included temporarily putting the D.C. police under federal control earlier this year.
FBI statistics reveal that Memphis had the highest crime rate among large cities in 2024, although the police department has reported a marked decrease in crime during the first eight months of 2025.
Last year, Memphis police logged 250 murders, 753 rapes, and over 12,800 aggravated assaults, according to state data.
Kustoff, who has lived in Memphis his entire life, acknowledged, “This community has a lot of both good people and challenges, particularly regarding high crime rates that have escalated since 2019.” He pointed to spikes in crime during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the early part of Biden’s presidency.
While Trump’s decision to deploy federal troops to urban areas has faced pushback, Kustoff reported that residents of Memphis have expressed relief at the increased law enforcement presence. “People appreciate having officers and National Guard members around. We’ve been hearing that feedback consistently,” he said.
He noted that members of the law enforcement community have been receiving gratitude from residents, often expressed through hugs and thanks, reflecting the local culture of appreciation.
Since the formation of the task force, it has gained recognition for rescuing 45 missing children and arresting over 900 individuals. Kustoff believes this initiative could serve as a template for cities across the country dealing with similar crime issues. “Any mayor or governor grappling with crime would likely be open to something like this,” he remarked.
