The influx of federal agents into the city last fall led to widespread immigration arrests – a majority without criminal convictions. President Trump has said he wants to replicate it elsewhere.
Members of the National Guard stand watch on Beale St., Friday, July 17, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn.
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Exclusive: community observers claim agents have tailed cars, surveilled homes and even ‘falsely arrested’ someone
Trump signs a proclamation establishing a task force to take on crime in the Democrat-led city despite opposition from its mayor.
It adds to his efforts to send troops to Portland and Washington D.C.
The city’s Democratic mayor, Paul Young, says the ‘decision has been made’ but does not think it will drive down crime.
Trump says Memphis ‘deeply troubled,’ as he plans to replicate Washington’s federal control measures to address crime.
The troops are welcomed by city and state leadership, Trump said.
