Tennessee Governor Confirms Federal Agents Heading to Memphis/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ morning Edition/ Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a coordinated surge of federal agents and National Guard troops to Memphis next week to address rising crime. The plan includes 13 federal agencies and local cooperation, but no state of emergency. Unlike deployments in California, Memphis Guard troops will have limited roles and won’t be armed unless requested.
Memphis Crime Response Quick Looks
- National Guard troops to support Memphis law enforcement, but won’t make arrests
- 13 federal agencies will assist, including the FBI, DEA, and ATF
- Troops to be deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service
- Troops will be unarmed unless requested by local authorities
- No state of emergency will be declared by Gov. Lee
- Mayor Paul Young welcomes help but was not consulted
- Deployment differs from Trump’s California and DC operations
- Trump hinted Chicago could be next after Memphis
- Crime in Memphis declining, but officials seek further improvements
- Task force activation begins next week, phased approach expected
Deep Look: Federal Agents and Guard Troops Headed to Memphis in Crime Crackdown Effort
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — September 26, 2025
Memphis will soon see a new wave of law enforcement presence as Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Friday that both federal agents and National Guard troops will begin deploying to the city next week in an effort to tackle persistent crime. The plan is part of a multi-agency task force that combines federal, state, and local efforts without invoking a formal state of emergency.
For weeks, uncertainty has surrounded the proposed deployment following President Donald Trump’s announcement to send National Guard forces to Memphis. Now, with details confirmed, the initiative is revealed to be a coordinated, less aggressive approach compared to previous troop deployments in cities like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
A Coordinated Multi-Agency Effort
Governor Lee unveiled the operation at a press conference in Memphis, standing alongside city leaders and law enforcement officials. The project, dubbed the “Memphis Safe Task Force,” will involve 13 federal agencies, Tennessee State Troopers, and National Guard units from Tennessee.
“The story of crime in Memphis is about to be a story of the past,” said Lee, emphasizing that while the situation is serious, the state intends to manage it with measured, cooperative law enforcement, rather than a militarized intervention.
The National Guard troops, once deployed, will not carry out arrests, nor will they be armed unless local authorities specifically request it. They will, however, be deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service, allowing them to operate in supportive roles under federal authority.
Lee clarified that the number of Guard members is still being finalized, but reiterated earlier statements that no more than 150 are expected to be deployed.
Phased Deployment Begins Next Week
Federal agencies including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will begin arriving next week, though not all at once. Lee explained that resources will be introduced in phases and did not provide a complete timeline.
Despite the bolstered response, Lee emphasized there will be no declaration of a state of emergency in Tennessee.
Memphis Mayor Takes Pragmatic Approach
Memphis Mayor Paul Young took a cooperative tone during the announcement, although he acknowledged he had not requested the National Guard’s presence. Recognizing the federal and state government’s commitment to deploy, Young stated,
“My goal is to make sure that as resources come into our community, we find ways to use them effectively and for the benefit of the residents of our great city.”
He also noted that crime rates in Memphis have already been falling, but more work is needed to reach a level where residents feel the difference day-to-day.
How This Differs From Other Cities
The Memphis deployment marks a notably different strategy from the one used in Los Angeles earlier this year. In June, Trump dispatched 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles, overriding the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom. That operation focused on protecting federal property during immigration protest unrest, and eventually expanded to assist during immigration raids, sparking legal battles from the state.
In Memphis, Guard members will not wear masks and no armored tanks or military vehicles will be used. A statement from the city government emphasized that troops will wear standard, recognizable uniforms.
Trump’s Broader Strategy: Memphis, Then Chicago?
Trump, who revealed his plans for Memphis during a Fox News appearance on September 12, signed the formal federal task force order on September 15. He has since hinted that Chicago could be next, though his stance has shifted between prioritizing cities like New Orleans, Portland, and others where governors might be more receptive to federal intervention.
“Chicago is probably next,” Trump said last week, leaving the door open for more multi-agency deployments in urban areas facing crime challenges.
Final Thoughts
The new Memphis initiative signals a measured federal-state partnership focused on boosting public safety without escalating military-style enforcement. With federal agencies, state troopers, and National Guard troops joining local police forces under a single mission, the city enters a new chapter in its fight against crime — one that aims to combine accountability, visibility, and restraint.
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