Federal Task Force Launches Operations in Memphis Amid Crime Surge

Tue Oct 21 2025 08:31:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi, met with local leaders to discuss a multi-agency law enforcement operation aimed at reducing crime in Memphis, Tennessee.

A new federal task force initiated by the Trump administration in Memphis has already led to over 50 arrests in just two days. The operation aims to tackle violent crimes in the city by combining efforts from various federal and state law enforcement agencies. While local authorities acknowledge decreases in some crime metrics this year, concerns remain among community leaders regarding the approach and the potential for federal overreach in a predominantly Black city.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — In a significant move to combat crime, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi arrived in Memphis on Wednesday to oversee the newly formed Memphis Safe Task Force. This task force, initiated by President Donald Trump, aims to tackle the surge in violent crime seen in the city.

The officials met with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who has voiced support for the increased law enforcement presence. According to Bondi, the Memphis Safe Task Force has made more than 50 arrests in just a two-day span, utilizing personnel from various agencies including immigration and drug enforcement. Over 200 officers have been deployed and are active in serving criminal warrants, making traffic stops on highways, and coordinating with local law enforcement.

The task force is part of a broader strategy to introduce more federal law enforcement in cities, particularly in areas led by Democrats. Trump has argued that such measures are essential to address crime and immigration issues that have compounded in urban areas.

“With the addition of federal resources in Memphis, including enhanced interagency collaboration, we expect a significant increase in warrant enforcement focused on violent offenders,” stated Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Ryan Guay.

However, this influx of federal agents has raised concerns among some community members. Critics argue that instead of federal outreach, Memphis needs more funding and support to tackle underlying issues such as poverty that contribute to crime. Proponents, meanwhile, view this operation as a necessary law enforcement boost to address the city's ongoing challenges with violence.

In recent years, Memphis has faced a high number of violent crimes, spurring a community divided on the effectiveness of federal intervention in local law enforcement matters. While some city officials report a decrease in specific crime metrics this year, many residents still fear for their safety amidst a backdrop of crime and instability.

As the operation unfolds, the future role of the National Guard in Memphis remains uncertain, with Governor Lee confirming an expected modest deployment without heavy equipment or armed involvement unless explicitly requested by local authorities.

In parallel, federal efforts are also ramping up in states like Oregon and cities like Chicago, where agents have conducted numerous immigration-related arrests. The varying responses from state officials to these deployments highlight ongoing tensions regarding federal authority and local governance.