Summary
A federal law enforcement task force ordered by President Trump began operating in Memphis, focusing on arresting criminals and making traffic stops. Over 200 officers were deputized for this effort, which aims to address violent crime in the city. This deployment is part of a broader initiative to send federal forces to American cities.
Key Facts
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi met with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee in Memphis.
- The newly formed Memphis Safe Task Force has made over 50 arrests in two days.
- The task force includes federal agencies like immigration and drug enforcement, and works with state agencies.
- The law enforcement surge is part of President Trump's initiative to send federal forces to cities, focusing on Democrat-controlled areas.
- No more than 150 Tennessee National Guard troops are expected to assist, though they will not make arrests or be armed unless requested.
- The task force's efforts in Memphis include setting up mobile command centers for increased warrant enforcement.
- Crime in Memphis has been high, though there have been declines in some crime categories recently.
- There is opposition to the deployment, with critics arguing it is unnecessary and that more funding should address root causes of crime.