Tennessee Judge Halts National Guard Deployment in Memphis Amid Legal Dispute

Tue Nov 18 2025 07:50:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Tennessee judge blocks the National Guard's deployment in Memphis as part of a federal crimefighting initiative, raising concerns about state authority and local governance.

In a critical ruling, Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal temporarily blocks the deployment of the Tennessee National Guard in Memphis, siding with local officials who argue that such action requires legislative approval. The ruling comes as Memphis aims to tackle persistent violent crime, with the Guard being part of a federal task force established by President Trump. The state has five days to appeal the decision.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee judge on Monday blocked the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis as part of a controversial crimefighting initiative led by President Donald Trump. The decision, made by Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal, gives the government a five-day window to appeal.

The ruling is a victory for Democratic state and local officials who filed a lawsuit arguing that the Republican Governor Bill Lee cannot deploy the National Guard for civil unrest without legislatively mandated conditions being met. They assert that such deployments should only occur in instances of rebellion or invasion and must also involve requests from local governments during public safety crises.

In her statement, Chancellor Moskal emphasized the importance of adhering to state law, which the plaintiffs argue was overlooked. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris expressed satisfaction with the ruling, noting it as a step towards reinforcing the rule of law.

The National Guard's presence in Memphis is part of a broader task force initiated by President Trump to combat the city's ongoing issues with high violent crime rates, which have included increases in assaults and gun violence. Mayor Paul Young, however, has stated he never formally requested the Guard's deployment, emphasizing that the task force should prioritize apprehending violent offenders.

This recent court decision comes amidst a backdrop of an already deteriorating public safety landscape, with local officials navigating the complex implications of federal involvement in state matters. As the National Guard continues to patrol Memphis neighborhoods, the outcome of this legal battle could significantly affect the future of crime prevention strategies in the region.