Tennessee Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment in Memphis: What’s Next?

Tue Nov 18 2025 07:14:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Tennessee judge has officially halted the use of the National Guard in Memphis, a decision with significant implications for local crime-fighting efforts and governance. The ruling highlights ongoing tensions between state and local authorities over security measures.

In a recent ruling, Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal blocked the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis under a crimefighting operation initiated by President Trump. The decision arose from a lawsuit filed by local officials against Republican Gov. Bill Lee, challenging the legality of the deployment. The judge's ruling emphasizes that the deployment requires explicit legislative action and local government requests during civil unrest. While the state holds that the governor has the authority to mobilize the Guard as he sees fit, the legal battle over local governance and public safety in Memphis continues.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — In a significant legal development, a Tennessee judge has blocked the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, a move initiated under a crime-fighting operation by President Trump. The ruling was issued by Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal, who sided with local Democratic officials against Republican Gov. Bill Lee's authority to mobilize the Guard during civil unrest without legislative approval.

The essence of the lawsuit argues that unless a scenario of rebellion or invasion arises, or a request is filed by local government, the Guard cannot be deployed. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris expressed satisfaction with the ruling, calling it “a positive step toward ensuring the rule of law applies to everyone, including everyday Tennesseans and even the Governor.”

Since arriving in the city on October 10, the troops have been patrolling various neighborhoods, yet they have no arrest powers. This operation, particularly controversial, has been accompanied by claims that the state law allows the governor to decide when the Guard is necessary.

The ongoing legal saga illustrates the friction in Memphis regarding public safety strategies, with the city wrestling with high violent crime rates. Memphis Mayor Paul Young claimed he did not request the Guard’s presence but instead focused on targeting violent offenders as part of efforts to enhance public safety.