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White House-Backed Memphis Task Force Logs 53 Arrests as Bondi and Hegseth Rally Forces

The surge now centers on coordinated warrant enforcement through a federal command center, with Guard support still undefined.

Rachael Spriggs, accompanied by Sandra Pita, left, and Tikeila Rucker, center, addresses protesters gathered for a march in Memphis on Saturday to protest against the deployment of National Guard troops to the city.
People demonstrate above Interstate 40 in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, against the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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Overview

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi said the task force made 53 arrests and seized 20 firearms in its first 48 hours, with 219 officers special-deputized and a Joint Operations Center active.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Bondi and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller visited Memphis, met Gov. Bill Lee and addressed federal, state and local officers as operations ramped up.
  • Participating agencies include immigration and drug enforcement units working with the Tennessee Highway Patrol to serve criminal warrants and conduct traffic stops.
  • Gov. Bill Lee said he does not expect more than 150 National Guard members and that they will not be armed or make arrests unless requested, while Police Chief CJ Davis signaled Guard support could start in the next two weeks with non-public-safety duties.
  • The U.S. Marshals Service plans periodic public updates and anticipates increased warrant enforcement targeting violent offenders, as residents and officials raise transparency and tactics concerns following a recorded heavy-force stop on Jackson Avenue.