Tennessee judge halts National Guard deployment in Memphis

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Amid President Donald Trump’s push to crack down on protests, crime, homelessness, and illegal immigration in several US cities, a Tennessee judge halted the deployment of National Guard troops in Memphis on Monday, November 17.

Troops had been patrolling Memphis on October 10, moving through neighborhoods and busy commercial areas, even near the landmark Pyramid downtown, dressed in camouflage and vests labeled “military police,” with holstered guns.

Officials emphasized that the National Guard had no power to make arrests. Their presence was part of a larger task force created under Trump’s directive, which also brought multiple law enforcement agencies into the city for weeks of patrols.

Davidson County Chancellor rules in favor of Democratic state and local officials

Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal ruled in favor of Democratic state and local officials who argued that Governor Bill Lee cannot deploy the Tennessee National Guard for civil unrest unless the state faces a rebellion or an invasion, and even then, only if state lawmakers take action.

The plaintiffs also pointed to another law that requires a request from the local government before the Guard can be used in situations such as a “breakdown of law and order.”

Moskal agreed that the plaintiffs are likely to win their case, saying their arguments show that deploying the Guard in Memphis violates the state’s military code. She also said they demonstrated that they are suffering, or will suffer, “irreparable harm” without an injunction.

However, Moskal delayed the start of the injunction for at least five days, giving the state time to file an immediate request to appeal. She did not explain why she set this timeline.

State officials argued that Tennessee law gives the governor the authority to decide when the Guard is needed and to deploy troops at his discretion. Moskal rejected that view, writing that the governor’s power as commander-in-chief of the Guard “is not unfettered.” 

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, one of the plaintiffs, celebrated the ruling in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “The injunction does not take effect immediately, and the state has a chance to seek leave to appeal,” he wrote. “However, this is a positive step toward ensuring the rule of law applies to everyone, including everyday Tennesseans and even the Governor.”

Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward and part of the plaintiffs’ legal team, called the judge’s decision “a powerful affirmation that no one—not a president, not a governor—is above the law.”

Violence remains a major issue in Memphis

Memphis has struggled with high violent crime for years, including assaults, carjackings, and homicides. Although this year’s numbers show progress in several areas, especially fewer murders, most people agree that violence is still a major issue.

In September, Trump announced that he would send the National Guard to Memphis to crack down on crime. The Guard joined a group of federal and state agencies already working under the new Memphis Safe Task Force.

Since the task force began, its hundreds of officers have made more than 2,500 arrests in the city. These arrests include charges for drug and weapons violations, immigration warrants, and even homicides.

Governor Lee said the Guard would serve in a “critical support role” for local police.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, said he never asked for the Guard to be deployed. But after Trump made the announcement and Lee agreed, Young, who is not part of the lawsuit, said he hoped the task force would focus on arresting violent offenders. Young said about 150 Guard members were involved in the operations.

Both the plaintiffs and the state confirmed that the governor did not issue a formal order to activate the Guard but instead released a statement.

Lee argued, “As the commander-in-chief, Gov Lee has the authority to authorize the Title 32 strategic mission to Memphis.”

After the lawsuit was filed, Lee’s spokesperson, Elizabeth Lane Johnson, defended the deployment. She said, “Every Memphian deserves to feel safe in their community, and through state, local, and federal partnerships, the Memphis Safe Task Force has created a generational opportunity that is already delivering remarkable results to enhance public safety."

Johnson shared, "We are confident the court will uphold the governor’s constitutional authority.”