Tennessee Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment Amid Crimefighting Controversy

Tue Nov 18 2025 07:49:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Tennessee judge has issued a temporary block on the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis under a federal crimefighting initiative, aligning with objections from local and state officials against the governor's authority to act without legislative approval.

In a recent ruling, Judge Patricia Head Moskal of Davidson County halted the National Guard's deployment in Memphis, initiated under a crimefighting operation by President Trump. The decision stems from a lawsuit by local officials challenging Governor Bill Lee’s authority to deploy the guard without explicit approval from state lawmakers, highlighting ongoing tensions between state authority and federal intervention in local governance. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris expressed satisfaction with the ruling as a reinforcement of legal protocols while acknowledging the challenges faced by Memphis regarding crime.

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

Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal’s decision sides with Democratic state and local officials who argued that Republican Gov. Bill Lee cannot deploy the Tennessee National Guard for civil unrest unless there is rebellion or invasion, in which case it would also require legislative authorization.

The plaintiffs in the case further stated that a local government's request is needed for the Guard's deployment in scenarios of law and order breakdown, which they claim was not present in this situation.

The state maintained that Tennessee law grants the governor the discretion to deploy the Guard and determine when such actions are necessary.

In a statement on social media, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, one of the plaintiffs, expressed his approval of the ruling, stating, The injunction does not take effect immediately, and the state has an opportunity to seek an appeal. However, this is a positive step toward ensuring the rule of law is upheld for all, including everyday Tennesseans and even the Governor.

Since their deployment began on October 10, troops have been actively patrolling Memphis, including notable areas such as the iconic Pyramid, acknowledging that they possess no arrest powers.

The National Guard's involvement is part of a larger initiative established by Trump, called the Memphis Safe Task Force, which also includes contributions from numerous other law enforcement agencies. This task force has reportedly made over 2,500 arrests related to various offenses in Memphis since its inception.

Local officials, including Memphis Mayor Paul Young, have voiced concerns about crime levels in the city, despite statistical improvements this year in specific categories such as homicides. Young clarified he did not request the National Guard's presence, though he has emphasized the need for targeted efforts against violent offenders.

Governor Lee has asserted that he has the constitutional authority to authorize the deployment under Title 32 and believes that the task force has created significant opportunities to improve public safety for all Memphians.