National Guard Troops Deployed to Memphis to Combat Crime

Memphis, Tennessee, October 14, 2025

News Summary

In response to rising crime rates, approximately 145 to 150 National Guard troops have been deployed to Memphis to support local law enforcement. The deployment started on October 10 and focuses on patrolling neighborhoods, particularly in Harbor Town. While some residents welcome the enhanced security, others raise concerns about troop placement in quieter areas rather than high-crime zones. The National Guard will assist without arrest authority and is expected to remain in the city for 60 to 90 days, as part of a larger initiative to promote public safety.

Memphis, Tennessee – Approximately 145 to 150 National Guard troops have been deployed to Memphis as a part of a coordinated effort to stabilize the area and support local law enforcement in combating rising crime and addressing community concerns. This deployment began on October 10, 2025, with a primary focus on patrolling neighborhoods, specifically starting in the Harbor Town area.

The deployment plan features a structured schedule comprising three eight-hour shifts, with no more than 50 troops on duty at a time, as confirmed by State Representative Antonio Parkinson. The presence of the National Guard has garnered mixed reactions from residents. While some community members appreciate the increased security, feeling comforted by the presence of Guard members, others question the placement of troops in quieter neighborhoods, positing that they should be stationed in areas with higher crime rates like North and South Memphis.

Supporters of the deployment, such as local resident Chris Brock, believe that the Guard’s presence will contribute positively to community safety. However, some critics, including individuals like Keith Fields and Oscar Wright, argue that the deployment would be more effective if focused on areas experiencing more significant criminal activity.

It’s important to note that the National Guard troops deployed in Memphis do not have the authority to make arrests; this responsibility lies solely with the Memphis police. The troops are anticipated to stay in the city for a duration of 60 to 90 days, working alongside local law enforcement officers to restore safety and community confidence.

This deployment aligns with President Trump’s broader initiative for a nationwide troop presence in several U.S. cities aimed at addressing crime. In contrast to confrontational deployments seen in cities like Chicago and Portland, the operations in Memphis have been characterized by a more cooperative approach, resulting in less public unrest.

Community leaders, including Rev. Dr. J. Lawrence Turner, have emphasized the necessity of investing in community relationships rather than resorting to militarized enforcement practices. According to officials, federal agencies have executed hundreds of arrests and issued over 2,800 traffic citations since commencing operations in Memphis on September 29, 2025.

Both Governor Bill Lee, who supports the deployment, and Memphis Mayor Paul Young, who did not request the National Guard’s involvement, play significant roles in this initiative. Many residents express concerns about the possibility of increased patrols leading to overreach by federal agents, despite the absence of reported violence since the deployment’s inception.

Memphis’s response is framed as an effort to balance the implementation of safety initiatives with the preservation of community trust and adherence to constitutional liberties. This context is further complicated by historical reminders from residents concerning the negative implications associated with past National Guard deployments during civil rights unrest.

Key Features

• Deployment Start Date: October 10, 2025
• Number of Troops: Approximately 145 to 150
• Deployment Duration: 60 to 90 days
• Patrolling Area: Primarily Harbor Town, with plans for coverage of other neighborhoods
• Troop Shift Schedule: Three eight-hour shifts with maximum 50 troops on duty at a time
• Responsibility: National Guard is not authorized to make arrests; that remains with the Memphis police
• Federal Actions: Hundreds of arrests and over 2,800 traffic citations since September 29, 2025

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Federal Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment in Chicago
National Guard Deployed to Address Rising Crime in Memphis
Kipp Memphis Collegiate High School Lockdown After Car Crash
National Guard Troops Begin Patrolling Memphis to Combat Crime
National Guard Troops Deploy in Memphis Amid Controversy
Dan Conaway Resigns Amid Editorial Controversy
Tennessee National Guard Deployed to Address Memphis Crime
Tennessee National Guard Mobilized to Address Crime in Memphis
Governor Bill Lee Deploys National Guard to Memphis Amid Crime Surge
University of Memphis Receives Federal Grants for Student Support

Additional Resources

• ABC7 Chicago
• Local Memphis
• Newsweek
• The New York Times
• AP News
• Wikipedia: National Guard
• Google Search: National Guard deployments
• Google Scholar: National Guard history
• Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
• Google News: Memphis National Guard

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 area—with 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.