Tensions Rise in Memphis as National Guard Deployment Looms

Wed Oct 22 2025 12:16:44 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Concerns grow in Memphis, TN, as President Trump's proposed National Guard deployment sparks fear among Latino communities about possible immigration enforcement.

Memphis, Tennessee, is preparing for the potential arrival of National Guard troops as part of President Trump's crime-fighting task force. The deployment aims to combat crime but has raised major concerns among the Latino community. Many worry about increased immigration enforcement and racial profiling. Local leaders express mixed feelings, with some supporting the deployment as a necessary measure and others calling for funding to address underlying issues like poverty instead. Community organizations are mobilizing to educate residents about their rights in the face of potential immigration actions.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – President Trump has ordered a National Guard deployment to help tackle crime in Memphis, sparking concerns among local Latino communities about possible immigration enforcement. The move is part of the 'Memphis Safe Task Force' aimed at reducing crime rates, but many residents fear it may lead to increased targeting of immigrants.

Sandra Pita, a U.S. citizen of Mexican descent, expressed her worries, stating, “They will be targeting people with brown skin color, even my children who are citizens.”

Identifying Mixed Reactions

Responses to the deployment are split. Some see it as a necessary intervention to combat violence, while others argue it is an unwarranted occupation that distracts from addressing poverty and crime root causes. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee assured that the deployment would be limited to 150 National Guard members.

However, critics like Mayor Paul Young believe the move does not effectively address crime. In his newsletter, he described the National Guard's role as more of a 'neighborhood watch' rather than frontline enforcers.

Preparing for Possible Immigration Actions

With around 10% of Memphis' population being Hispanic, community groups are proactively informing residents about their rights in case of immigration inquiries. Mauricio Calvo from Latino Memphis emphasized that while crime is a pressing issue, the deployment could have severe implications, including heightened fears surrounding racial profiling.

Lawyers are also advising the Latino community to prepare for potential encounters with law enforcement amidst these developments, expressing concerns over the potential for mistreatment and confusion regarding immigration law.

As the timeline for the National Guard's arrival remains unclear, Memphis residents collectively brace for what could be significant changes in their community’s landscape.