Tennessee Judges Block National Guard Deployment in Memphis
Tennessee judges have blocked President Trump's order to deploy National Guard troops in Memphis for crime-fighting, citing state law and allowing time for a government appeal.
Judge blocks National Guard troop deployment in Memphis
Washington Examiner
Overview
- Tennessee judges have blocked President Donald Trump's order to deploy National Guard troops to Memphis, intended for a crime-fighting operation in the city.
- The judicial ruling allows the government time to appeal the decision, which challenges the legal basis for deploying the Guard under these circumstances.
- Judges also questioned Republican Gov. Bill Lee's authority to deploy the National Guard for civil unrest without specific conditions like rebellion or invasion.
- The deployment aimed to combat Memphis's high violent crime rates, including assaults and homicides, where a task force had already made over 2,500 arrests.
- National Guard troops had already been patrolling Memphis neighborhoods and commercial areas since October 10, prior to the judges' recent intervention.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, presenting a balanced account of the judge's ruling and the legal arguments. They avoid loaded language and ensure both sides of the dispute, along with relevant background, are clearly articulated without editorial bias. The reporting focuses on factual developments and attributed statements.
"The injunction does not take effect immediately, and the state has a chance to seek leave to appeal."
NPR"The judge ruled that crime rates in Memphis were not a "grave emergency" or "disaster" that would allow Lee to send troops in his role as commander-in-chief of the state’s military forces."
USA TODAY"The judge concluded that the governor’s power as commander-in-chief of the National Guard “is not unfettered.”"
Associated PressArticles (4)
FAQ
Tennessee judges blocked the deployment because they questioned the legal authority for using the National Guard for crime-fighting, citing state law that limits such deployments to situations like rebellion or invasion, not general civil unrest or crime control.
The deployment was intended to combat Memphis's high rates of violent crime, including assaults and homicides, with the Guard patrolling neighborhoods and commercial areas as part of a broader crime-fighting task force.
National Guard troops had been patrolling Memphis neighborhoods and commercial areas since October 10, 2025, prior to the judges' recent ruling blocking the deployment.
The ruling allows the government time to appeal the decision, meaning the deployment could potentially resume if the appeal is successful or if legal issues are resolved.
The state estimated that immediately pulling Guard members from Memphis could cost at least $8 million, reflecting the logistical and operational costs associated with the deployment.
History
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