Trump lauds ICE and Border Patrol as ‘great American patriots’ on Memphis trip

MEMPHIS, TN: President Donald Trump traveled to Memphis on Monday, March 23, to participate in a “Safe Task Force” roundtable focused on crime and public safety.

During the event, he praised federal immigration and border agencies while highlighting a reported decline in crime rates in the city.

Trump also announced new benefits for National Guard members serving in various domestic deployments.

The visit brought together federal and local officials to discuss enforcement efforts and public safety initiatives.

Trump praises ICE, Border Patrol, and crime reduction

Speaking at the roundtable, Trump commended the work of immigration enforcement agencies, including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and US Border Patrol. 

“The job that ICE and Border Patrol have done, they don't get the appreciation they deserve. They are GREAT American patriots. They are incredible people,” Trump said.

He linked the work of federal agencies and the Memphis task force to a broader reduction in crime, describing past conditions in the city and contrasting them with recent developments.

“For years, prior to our involvement, Memphis had become known for something else being the murder capital of the USA...it was averaging more than 1 murder per day, with a crime rate higher than Colombia, Mexico City, or Baghdad...Here's the good news: it's been fixed,” he said.

Trump cited enforcement outcomes attributed to the task force, including arrests, weapons seizures and the recovery of missing children.

He framed these developments as part of a broader effort to address crime and public safety concerns, stating that prior policies had allowed violence to escalate in some cities.

Attorney General Pam Bondi also praised the initiative, saying the Memphis Safe Task Force had contributed to a historic decline in violent crime.

Officials highlighted coordination between federal, state and local agencies as a key factor in the reported improvements.

National Guard benefits expanded as enforcement continues

During his remarks, Trump announced that National Guard members deployed in Memphis and other locations would receive expanded benefits.

He said Pete Hegseth had signed a directive to align benefits for certain Guard deployments with those of active-duty service members. “I’m pleased to announce that the Secretary of War (Pete Hegseth) ... just signed a directive to ensure that all National Guard members serving on this task force, as well as in DC, New Orleans and our border security missions will receive the same benefits as active duty troops, because you deserve it,” Trump said.

The policy applies to personnel serving in Washington, DC, New Orleans and along border security missions, according to the announcement.

The move was presented as part of a broader effort to support service members involved in domestic security operations.

Defense officials also emphasized the administration’s stance on law enforcement and public safety.

Hegseth said, “Under President Trump, we will not allow depraved ideologies to destroy our great cities. No longer will we sit idly by while illegal aliens and savage criminals… murder, and poison the good people of this country.”