Summary
Tennessee National Guard troops began patrolling Memphis streets as part of a multiagency initiative to tackle violent crime. Their role is mainly to support Memphis police by providing extra observation and they won’t be making arrests. This move is part of a broader national debate on using the National Guard in domestic law enforcement.
Key Facts
- Tennessee National Guard troops started patrolling Memphis streets.
- The deployment aims to support local police as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force.
- The task force includes state troopers and federal agents, such as the FBI and DEA.
- Guardsmen will not make arrests and are there to assist police with observations.
- Mayor Paul Young emphasized progress in reducing crime in the city.
- Crime rates in Memphis have lowered since early 2024 but remain high.
- The deployment raises national questions about the use of military in law enforcement.
- Recent court rulings in Illinois blocked similar federal deployment efforts in Chicago.
