Bondi and Hegseth Deploy Federal Crime Task Force in Memphis/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Attorney General Pam Bondi, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Stephen Miller rallied federal, state, and local forces in Memphis for a new Trump-backed crime task force. Supporters claim it will bring safety and economic revival, while critics warn of “wartime rhetoric” against civilians. The operation has already netted dozens of arrests but faces resistance over constitutional concerns.
Memphis Crime Task Force Quick Looks
- Key leaders: Pam Bondi, Pete Hegseth, Stephen Miller
- Purpose: Surge of federal agents, National Guard support, warrant enforcement
- Early impact: 50+ arrests in first two days, 200+ officers deputized
- Local support: Gov. Bill Lee backs effort, promises no tanks or armed troops unless requested
- Criticism: Rep. Steve Cohen warns against treating Memphis as “target practice”
- Context: Part of Trump’s wider federal crackdown in Democratic-led cities
- Oregon tie-in: National Guard preparing to back ICE operations there
- Chicago escalation: DHS targets gangs, immigrants, and laborers in large-scale arrests
- Civil rights concerns: Critics call it a federal occupation of a majority-Black city
Bondi and Hegseth Deploy Federal Crime Task Force in Memphis
Deep Look
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Federal agents, National Guard members, and state police are converging on Memphis under a new Trump administration initiative billed as a major anti-crime push, drawing both praise and outrage.
On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller addressed more than 200 federal and state officers deputized for the mission, known as the Memphis Safe Task Force.
Trump’s “All of Government” Crackdown
Miller described the deployment as an “all of government, unlimited support operation”, predicting it would make Memphis “safer than you could imagine” and attract new business.
Hegseth told agents they had the administration’s full backing: “We’re here to unleash you to do your jobs so you come home safely.”
But Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen, who represents Memphis, blasted the approach as “wartime rhetoric”, saying: “Memphians are not enemies; they are Americans. They are entitled to constitutional rights, not intimidation or demoralization.”
Arrests Begin in Memphis
Bondi announced on social media that the task force had already made 50 arrests in its first two days. Working with immigration and drug enforcement teams, the task force is focusing on violent crime warrant enforcement and traffic stops.
U.S. Marshals official Ryan Guay confirmed Memphis should expect an uptick in warrant crackdowns, particularly targeting violent offenders. Periodic updates will detail arrest numbers and charges.
Gov. Bill Lee endorsed the operation, saying 150 National Guard members will support local police but emphasized there would be no tanks and troops would not make arrests unless requested.
Rising Crime, Divided Opinions
Memphis has struggled with high homicide and carjacking rates, though officials note some declines in recent months. Supporters say federal reinforcements are long overdue. Critics call it a federal occupation of a majority-Black city that ignores deeper poverty-driven crime causes.
Nationwide Expansion
The Memphis surge is part of a broader Trump initiative. Similar deployments have taken place in Washington, Los Angeles, and Portland, where the president described cities as “war-ravaged.” He suggested using urban areas as training grounds for the armed forces, alarming local leaders.
In Oregon, National Guard troops are preparing to back ICE operations and protect federal property. State Attorney General Dan Rayfield is challenging the deployment in court.
In Chicago, federal immigration operations have escalated sharply, with hundreds of arrests since September. DHS cited alleged gang connections in choosing to raid a South Shore apartment building, but immigrant advocates denounced the actions as targeting minority neighborhoods.
Constitutional and Political Fallout
The Trump administration’s aggressive use of federal forces is sparking legal and political battles nationwide. Opponents warn that treating cities like occupied zones undermines civil liberties, while backers argue the crackdown is essential to restoring order.
As Memphis residents prepare for expanded warrant enforcement, the divide reflects the broader question facing the country: is this federal intervention restoring security, or eroding trust in democracy?
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