Tennessee Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment in Memphis Amid Legal Challenge

Tue Nov 18 2025 07:52:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Tennessee judge has issued a temporary block against the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, siding with local officials who argue that such an action requires state legislative approval.

In a significant ruling, Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal has temporarily blocked the National Guard's involvement in Memphis as part of a crime-fighting initiative ordered by former President Donald Trump. The decision supports local officials' claims that the deployment lacks proper legal authority and must be requested by local governments. This ruling comes amid ongoing concerns regarding crime in Memphis, which has prompted the state's push for stronger law enforcement measures. The case is set for potential appeal within five days.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee judge on Monday blocked the use of the National Guard in Memphis under a crime-fighting operation initiated by former President Donald Trump but also put the order on hold, giving the government five days to appeal.

Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal’s decision sided with Democratic state and local officials who argued that Republican Gov. Bill Lee cannot deploy the Tennessee National Guard for civil unrest unless prompted by rebellion or invasion, and even then, it would require action by state lawmakers.

The plaintiffs claimed additional provisions require a local government's request to use the Guard in scenarios that include a “breakdown of law and order.”

The state maintained that Tennessee law grants the governor “the authority to dispatch the Guard when needed and to determine when that need exists.”

In a statement posted on X, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, a plaintiff in the case, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, noting, “This is a positive step toward ensuring the rule of law applies to everyone, including everyday Tennesseans and even the Governor.”

Since their arrival on Oct. 10, National Guard troops have been patrolling neighborhoods and commercial areas in Memphis, including key sites like the downtown Pyramid, wearing military attire while accompanying local law enforcement. However, officials specified that Guard members do not have arrest powers.

The current task force, formed by an order from Trump, involves numerous law enforcement agencies that have been active in Memphis for weeks. Although crime statistics for this year show some improvements, including a reduction in murders, violent crime remains a significant concern for residents.

President Trump announced in September that the National Guard would be deployed to combat crime in Memphis as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, which has recorded over 2,500 arrests since its inception. Arrests have ranged from drug and weapon offenses to homicide charges, with Lee asserting that the National Guard would play a vital supporting role for local law enforcement.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young had not requested the Guard's assistance but was later supportive of targeting violent offenders as the task force progressed. Ultimately, both the plaintiffs and state officials recognized that while the governor did not formally trigger the deployment through an order, a press release was issued regarding it.

Lee emphasized that, “Every Memphian deserves to feel safe in their community” and that the Memphis Safe Task Force is poised to significantly enhance public safety across the region.