Memphis National Guard Deployment Sparks Crime Debate

In response to a surge in violent crime, the Trump administration issued an executive order last September directing federal law-enforcement agencies—including the ATF, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security—to send personnel to Memphis. Within a month, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee added state patrol officers and activated 1,500 Tennessee National Guard members to patrol downtown. The operation, branded the Memphis Safe Task Force, was initially welcomed by city officials but has since faced growing criticism after four men were killed by federal agents, including the back-shot killing of Tyrin Johnson during a Fourth of July weekend pursuit.

The Guardian

The Memphis police department reports a 35 % drop in the city’s headline homicide rate since the taskforce began, with murders in the second quarter down 60 % year-over-year. However, the department also recorded a 26 % decline from 249 murders in 2024 to 184 in 2025—before the taskforce’s deployment. In the most recent year, Memphis logged 96 murders, compared with 149 the prior year, and is projected to reach about 135 murders in 2026 (?22.2 per 100,000 residents). A Center for American Progress analysis using statistical regression found no compelling evidence that the National Guard presence reduced homicides, violent crime, or gun violence, noting a brief post-deployment dip followed by a rise that later aligned with national trends.

The Guardian

U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron praised the taskforce, saying it has been “very successful” and commended the Tennessee National Guard’s role in crime reduction. The taskforce attributes the recent reduction in overall crime to its presence, while Governor Lee’s office has not responded to recent inquiries about the guard’s conduct. President Trump has threatened a $5 billion defamation lawsuit against the Center for American Progress authors unless they retract their report and apologize.

The Guardian

Community organizer Lucci Chambless, who has worked with the Johnson family, called the timing of the guard’s pullback “suspicious” and highlighted growing public resentment. Local businesses such as Tamboli’s pizza shop and Board to Beers bar have joined a “buy-cott” campaign, refusing to seat National Guard members and reporting increased patronage as a result. Chambless and other activists argue that the guard’s actions, including a recent immigration raid that led to 120 arrests, have eroded trust and may prompt renewed legal challenges.

The Guardian

• “The taskforce has been very successful and we appreciate the work the Tennessee national guard has done in helping us reduce crime,” — Brady McCarron, U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson

The Guardian

• “We’re hopeful that maybe they will take up that cause. Especially now that the damages have been shown,” — Lucci Chambless, community organizer

The Guardian