MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi met with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee in Memphis on Wednesday, shortly after a federal task force aimed at combatting violent crime began operations in the city.
Video footage showed Hegseth arriving by plane and shaking hands with Governor Lee, who has expressed support for the law enforcement surge. Attorney General Bondi reported via social media that the Memphis Safe Task Force has made more than 50 arrests within just two days of operation. The task force consists of federal agents from various agencies, including immigration and drug enforcement, working alongside local law enforcement like the Tennessee Highway Patrol to issue criminal arrest warrants and conduct traffic stops.
The initiative is part of President Donald Trump's broader strategy to enhance federal law enforcement in American cities, particularly those governed by Democrats. Trump has framed this move as essential in response to rising crime and has criticized Democratic policies on crime and immigration.
With an aim to bolster law enforcement resources in Memphis, the operation has been met with mixed reactions. While supporters view it as a necessary measure to tackle crime, opponents argue that it represents an unwarranted federal presence in a historically Black community, advocating for funding to address the underlying issues of crime, such as poverty.
The Tennessee National Guard has also been involved, but Governor Lee suggests that troop numbers will not exceed 150 and reassures that they will not be armed or involved in arrests unless specifically requested by local authorities.
Authorities are keen to assure the public that collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local officials will intensify warrant enforcement targeting violent offenders, responding to the pressing need for public safety in the face of rising violent crime statistics in Memphis.
Video footage showed Hegseth arriving by plane and shaking hands with Governor Lee, who has expressed support for the law enforcement surge. Attorney General Bondi reported via social media that the Memphis Safe Task Force has made more than 50 arrests within just two days of operation. The task force consists of federal agents from various agencies, including immigration and drug enforcement, working alongside local law enforcement like the Tennessee Highway Patrol to issue criminal arrest warrants and conduct traffic stops.
The initiative is part of President Donald Trump's broader strategy to enhance federal law enforcement in American cities, particularly those governed by Democrats. Trump has framed this move as essential in response to rising crime and has criticized Democratic policies on crime and immigration.
With an aim to bolster law enforcement resources in Memphis, the operation has been met with mixed reactions. While supporters view it as a necessary measure to tackle crime, opponents argue that it represents an unwarranted federal presence in a historically Black community, advocating for funding to address the underlying issues of crime, such as poverty.
The Tennessee National Guard has also been involved, but Governor Lee suggests that troop numbers will not exceed 150 and reassures that they will not be armed or involved in arrests unless specifically requested by local authorities.
Authorities are keen to assure the public that collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local officials will intensify warrant enforcement targeting violent offenders, responding to the pressing need for public safety in the face of rising violent crime statistics in Memphis.
