Federal Troops Hit the Streets in Memphis Amid Legal Battles
National Guard troops have begun patrolling the streets of Memphis, Tennessee, marking the latest development in President Donald Trump's controversial deployment of military forces to Democratic-led cities. The troops, dressed in military fatigues and carrying protective gear, were seen at key locations including a Bass Pro Shops store and tourist welcome center along the Mississippi River.
'We want to ensure that the federal deployment in Memphis has one purpose: elevating our community and accelerating a safer, better future,' said Memphis Mayor Paul Young, who has expressed reservations about the deployment despite never requesting military assistance.
Legal Challenges Mount in Multiple States
While troops are active in Memphis, federal courts have blocked similar deployments in Chicago and Portland. In Chicago, U.S. District Judge April Perry issued a temporary injunction preventing National Guard deployment for at least two weeks, citing that there was 'no evidence of rebellion or insurrection' that would justify such military intervention under federal law.
The legal battle intensified when Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the move 'Trump's Invasion' and accused the administration of targeting 'disfavored jurisdictions.' The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration can only federalize state National Guard troops in cases of invasion, rebellion, or when federal laws cannot be enforced - none of which apply according to Illinois officials.
Portland Deployment Faces Multiple Court Blocks
In Portland, Oregon, the situation remains legally complex. A federal judge has blocked not only the deployment of Oregon National Guard troops but also Trump's attempt to circumvent the order by sending troops from California. U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut ruled that conditions in Portland were 'not significantly violent or disruptive' to justify a federal takeover of the National Guard.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a temporary stay that maintains the status quo while the court prepares for oral arguments. While President Trump can keep the Oregon National Guard federalized, a separate court order remains in place that bars any federalized Guard members from being deployed in Oregon.
Memphis Operation Underway Despite Local Concerns
In Memphis, the federal crime crackdown has officially begun, with Attorney General Pam Bondi announcing that nine arrests have been made and two illegal guns seized. The operation involves 219 specially deputized officers and personnel from 13 federal agencies including the FBI, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, along with 300 Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers.
Local activists have launched the 'Free the 901' movement protesting the National Guard deployment, while the ACLU of Tennessee has demanded strict compliance with civil rights protections. The city has established a website for residents to file complaints and track federal agent presence.
Tennessee's Republican Governor Bill Lee has welcomed the assistance, stating that gardisten will be unarmed and cannot arrest people unless requested by police. 'We hope they will focus on traffic control and presence in shopping areas, not checkpoints,' emphasized the local police chief.
Broader Constitutional Questions
The deployments raise significant constitutional questions about the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement. The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows a president to deploy troops only when a state cannot suppress an insurrection or when federal laws are not being enforced.
Legal experts point to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits using the military for law enforcement within the United States. In September, a federal court ruled that the administration had illegally sent troops into Los Angeles in violation of this act.
As the legal battles continue, the deployments represent one of the most significant tests of presidential power and federal-state relations in recent American history, with implications that could shape the balance of power for years to come.