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Memphis Safe Task Force to Launch Next Week With 13 Federal Agencies, Guard in Support Role

Officials describe a sustained, phased operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Overview

  • Gov. Bill Lee said the first wave of federal personnel will begin arriving in Memphis next week, with some agencies expected as early as Monday and additional phases rolling out over weeks and months.
  • The Tennessee National Guard will be deputized to support local law enforcement, remain unarmed, and not make arrests unless requested by Memphis police, according to state officials.
  • Lee announced $100 million in state public safety grants for Memphis and 300 additional Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers, and he said he will not declare a state of emergency.
  • Exact troop counts and detailed timelines remain in flux; Lee previously suggested no more than about 150 Guard members, and agencies arriving include the FBI, ATF and DEA as part of 13 federal partners.
  • Local leaders are divided: a City Council effort to oppose the Guard failed, Mayor Paul Young said he did not request troops but will leverage incoming resources, and city guidance says no masks or armored tanks will be used.