Executive Summary
- The U.S. Marshals Service reports the Memphis Safe Task Force has made 2,943 arrests, including 313 gang members.
- The operation has also led to the seizure of 482 firearms and the recovery of 116 missing children.
- A judge has temporarily blocked the deployment of the Tennessee National Guard to support the task force, following a lawsuit from Shelby County officials.
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) announced on November 20 that the Memphis Safe Task Force has made nearly 3,000 arrests since its inception. The multi-agency initiative, involving over 20 local, state, and federal agencies, was established to address crime in the Memphis area.
According to the data released by the USMS, the task force has conducted 2,943 arrests, which include 313 individuals identified as gang members. In addition to the arrests, authorities have seized 482 firearms and successfully located 116 missing children.
The operation faces a legal challenge concerning its support structure. A Nashville judge recently issued a temporary block on Governor Bill Lee’s plan to deploy the Tennessee National Guard to assist the federal task force. The State of Tennessee is currently seeking to appeal this decision.
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed on October 17 by several Shelby County officials, including Mayor Lee Harris, against Governor Lee regarding the proposed deployment of troops in the city. It is important to note that all individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.