News Summary
Senator Brent Taylor of Tennessee has raised concerns over the legality of protests organized by Indivisible Memphis, alleging that they block driveways and disrupt neighborhood access. The group protests against Trump’s immigration policies, claiming their demonstrations are lawful. In retaliation, Indivisible Memphis has filed an ethics complaint against Taylor for his derogatory remarks and rhetoric. This situation highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement and the right to protest in Memphis.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE โ Tennessee Senator Brent Taylor has accused the local activist group Indivisible Memphis of engaging in illegal protests that are blocking driveways and affecting neighborhood access. The tension comes as the group organizes regular demonstrations against President Donald Trumpโs immigration policies, particularly the deportations of undocumented immigrants.
Indivisible Memphis has been holding โBanner Brigadesโ every Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Shady Grove Road and I-240 overpass. These protests aim to highlight their opposition to current immigration enforcement practices, which they view as harmful to the community. The group insists that their actions are lawful, occurring on public sidewalks and without hindering traffic flow or blocking driveways, asserting that no permit is necessary under city regulations.
In response to the protests, Senator Taylor claimed to have received numerous complaints from residents who reported being blocked in their driveways. He characterized the protestors in derogatory terms, questioning the legality of their demonstrations and stating that they could be in violation of local ordinances. The senator has taken steps to ascertain whether Indivisible Memphis has obtained any city-issued permits for their protests and has called on the Highway Patrol to uphold state laws prohibiting the hanging of banners from interstate bridges.
Moreover, Senator Taylor has publicly expressed his disregard for the protestors, referring to them as โweathered purple-haired Banner Brigade protestorsโ in a recent social media post. This post included images of protest signs with messages critical of the senator himself, highlighting the ongoing hostility between the two parties.
In a significant development, Indivisible Memphis has filed a formal ethics complaint against Senator Taylor. The complaint alleges that he employed violent and conspiratorial rhetoric in his communications about the group, effectively spreading harmful stereotypes and falsely accusing them of promoting political violence. This complaint has prompted an ethics hearing, which will formally address the accusations against the senator.
Indivisible Memphis maintains a commitment to peaceful protest and asserts that their activities are a fundamental part of civic engagement in Memphis. The group emphasizes their adherence to public safety guidelines, aiming to ensure that their protests do not create unnecessary legal issues. Their established protocols include staying on public sidewalks and refraining from obstructing traffic or emergency services.
The backdrop of this conflict lies in the broader national debate over immigration policies and the treatment of undocumented immigrants. Many advocacy groups, including Indivisible Memphis, are mobilizing against what they perceive as aggressive and unjust enforcement measures. As tensions rise in Memphis, both sides appear determined to continue their forms of advocacy, setting the stage for ongoing disputes over the right to protest and the boundaries of lawful civic engagement.
The uncertainty around the legality of these protests reflects a larger conversation about dissent and activism in political discourse today. As both Senator Taylor and Indivisible Memphis prepare for the upcoming ethics hearing, the evolving situation points to the challenges faced by local communities in navigating divisive issues like immigration reform.
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Additional Resources
- WREG: TN Senator Says Group Blocks Driveways During Protests
- Google Search: TN Senator protests
- Commercial Appeal: No Kings Day Memphis Protest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protests in Memphis
- Memphis Flyer: Memphians Rally Against Trump Regime
- Google News: Memphis protests
- Local Memphis: Trump No Kings Protest Demonstrations
- Google Scholar: Protesting Immigration Policies
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
