Trump’s Memphis crime taskforce accused of using ‘immense force’ in intimidation campaign
Summary
An anti-crime taskforce set up by President Trump and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee in Memphis faces accusations of using strong intimidation tactics against people trying to watch their actions. The ACLU has filed a lawsuit claiming that taskforce officers harassed, surveilled, and even falsely arrested community observers.Key Facts
- The Memphis taskforce was launched in September after an executive order by President Trump to tackle violent crime.
- The taskforce includes more than 2,000 state and federal police officers and involves the National Guard.
- The ACLU of Louisiana says agents have followed cars, watched homes, and arrested community observers without proper cause.
- One activist, Hunter Demster, reported a vehicle almost hitting him and said unmarked cars outside his home caused fear.
- James West lost his Global Entry border screening privileges after photographing the taskforce, with officials suspecting him of a law enforcement investigation or terrorism-related conduct.
- Jessica Chodor said she was tackled and arrested by police while filming the taskforce, spending 27 hours in jail before charges were dropped.
- The lawsuit claims the taskforce’s actions violate constitutional rights by retaliating against people who monitor police activity.
- Tennessee’s Halo law, passed in 2025, makes approaching police officers within 25 feet a class B misdemeanor.
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