Judges have stalled President Donald Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard in Chicago and Portland, Oregon, but troops are now patrolling in Memphis, Tennessee, with the blessing of the state’s governor.
The troops, dressed in Guard fatigues and protective vests, patrolled at a Bass Pro Shops store and a nearby tourist welcome center beside the Mississippi River. It remains unclear how many troops have been deployed to Memphis.
Trump has also discussed sending troops to other cities, including Baltimore, the District of Columbia, New Orleans, and various California cities such as Oakland and San Francisco. The federal government asserts the troops are there to assist immigration agents and to protect federal properties.
In Memphis, the Guard remains under the command of Republican Governor Bill Lee, who is supporting their use in a crackdown on crime. In contrast, Trump has attempted to assert control over troops in Portland and Chicago against the wishes of state and local leaders, prompting objections over sovereignty and legal issues. This week, federal courts in Illinois and Oregon blocked the deployment of troops in those cities.
Current Developments in Memphis
Trump announced the intention to deploy the Guard in Memphis, which Tennessee Governor Bill Lee embraced to bolster law enforcement operations. Memphis Mayor Paul Young expressed concerns about how the task force might target violent offenders rather than intimidate residents.
Federal officials report that agents have made numerous arrests and issued thousands of traffic citations since the operation began.
Legal and Political Reactions
Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth recently reported being denied entry to the ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois. The senators have questioned the transparency of the operations there, indicating a need for oversight.
A federal judge blocked troop deployments in Chicago, deeming the action a violation of the 10th and 14th Amendments concerning states' rights and due process. The ruling highlighted the nation’s historical reluctance to use military forces in domestic law enforcement situations.
In a related case, Oregon courts also delayed the deployment of troops to Portland, with ongoing legal discussions regarding the role and oversight of military personnel in civil matters.
Tensions persist as Trump’s administration faces legal challenges and local discontent about the military's role in domestic policing. The situation remains fluid as both legal and political battles unfold in the coming weeks.
