Federal Task Force Launches Operations in Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Sat Oct 11 2025 15:58:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The newly established Memphis Safe Task Force has made over 50 arrests in just two days as federal, state, and National Guard agencies join forces to combat crime in the city, with significant political implications.

In Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi have met with Governor Bill Lee to discuss a new law enforcement initiative aimed at reducing crime. The Memphis Safe Task Force has had immediate success, making over 50 arrests shortly after its formation. This operation is part of President Trump's larger strategy to deploy federal forces in cities with rising crime rates, while critics argue it represents a federal overreach. The task force comprises over 200 officers from various federal and state agencies and utilizes National Guard troops.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A newly established law enforcement initiative known as the Memphis Safe Task Force commenced operations this week, resulting in over 50 arrests within its initial two days. The task force, launched under orders from President Donald Trump, aims to combat rising crime rates in Memphis.

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi met with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to bolster the task force's efforts, which has drawn attention for both its aggressive tactics and political implications.

Bondi revealed via social media that the task force has included agents from various federal agencies such as immigration and drug enforcement, alongside state law enforcement agencies. Currently, they are executing criminal arrest warrants and conducting traffic stops on major roads. A total of 200 officers have been signed onto this operation.

This federal initiative reflects President Trump’s broader strategy involving the deployment of National Guard troops and federal resources to cities experiencing crime surges, which many view as politically motivated, given the cities’ Democratic leadership.

Trump has described the increase in federal law enforcement presence as necessary to address crime and has criticized Democratic policies on crime and immigration. This deployment comes in response to concerns over the high rates of violent crime in Memphis, which have garnered national attention.

While proponents see the surge in law enforcement as essential for public safety, opponents argue that it symbolizes an unwarranted federal intervention in local affairs, particularly in areas with large Black populations that are in need of poverty alleviation rather than militarized law enforcement.

As part of the operations, the Tennessee National Guard is poised to assist local police, although it remains unclear when they will officially join the effort. Governor Lee has indicated that he does not anticipate that more than 150 National Guard members will be deployed, and he has emphasized that they will not be armed unless requested by local authorities.

The Memphis Safe Task Force signifies a significant shift in tactical response to crime in cities like Memphis, which has experienced fluctuations in violent crime rates. Criminal justice advocates are monitoring the developments closely, highlighting the ongoing debate over effective crime reduction strategies in the U.S.