Tennessee Judge Blocks Deployment of National Guard in Memphis Amid Controversy

Tue Nov 18 2025 06:52:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Tennessee judge temporarily halts the use of the National Guard in Memphis, siding with local officials opposing Governor Lee's order amidst ongoing crime concerns.

Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal has issued a ruling that blocks the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis under a federal crimefighting operation initiated by President Trump, citing the need for state legislative action for such measures. The decision comes as local leaders express concerns over the legality of the deployment, asserting that the National Guard's presence does not address the underlying issues of crime in the city. Governor Lee retains the option to appeal the decision.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee judge on Monday blocked the use of the National Guard in Memphis under a crimefighting operation by President Donald Trump but granted the state a five-day period to appeal the ruling.

Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal's decision supports local Democratic officials who contended that Republican Governor Bill Lee cannot deploy the National Guard to handle civil unrest unless in circumstances of rebellion or invasion, which would require legislative approval.

The lawsuit highlighted that existing state legislation necessitates a local government request for the Guard's assistance during societal breakdown situations. However, the state argued that Tennessee laws empower the governor to dispatch the Guard whenever deemed necessary.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, a plaintiff in the case, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, indicating it reinforces the rule of law applicable to all Tennesseans, including the governor.

Since their arrival on October 10, troops have patrolled neighborhoods and commercial districts, recognized by their military police attire but lacking any arrest authority. The deployment is part of a broader initiative sparked by Trump aimed at combating high violent crime rates in Memphis.

Despite recent improvements in various crime statistics, violence persists in the city, prompting local leaders to seek strategic law enforcement efforts targeting violent offenders.

While Governor Lee believes his order is constitutional, opponents maintain that the lack of explicit legislative action undermines the legality of the National Guard's deployment, prompting uncertainty over its future in Memphis.