National Guard expected to begin patrolling Memphis

Tennessee National Guard troops will begin patrolling Memphis on Friday, the city announced in an online update.

Hundreds of state highway patrol and federal agents have been in the city since late September, making dozens of arrests and confiscating firearms. But whether the National Guard would arrive was an open question.

Memphis officials, aware of widespread distrust and uncertainty in the city, announced the start of the Guard patrols on a website they use to keep residents informed. It is not clear how many soldiers will be deployed.

National Guard members will wear their standard uniform and will not wear masks, make arrests or issue warrants, according to the website. It says the troops will “provide additional eyes and ears” for Memphis police officers and will be supplemented by the United States Marshals Service, which is in charge of the federal task force.

Memphis officials say crime has declined in the city in recent months. However, crime rates remain among the highest in the country and local courts remain overwhelmed with cases.

Unlike Chicago and Portland, Memphis is in a Republican state where the governor and legislature support President Trump’s efforts to crack down on crime in Democratic-run cities. Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, said he does not support bringing the National Guard to Memphis and would like to have a say in the deployment of federal forces.

With Memphis being a majority-black city where the police department has been accused of using aggressive and discriminatory tactics, there is particular concern that residents of color will be disproportionately targeted in new crime-fighting efforts. Community leaders and groups have taken to social media to inform their neighbors of locations where federal agents have been seen and urge them to be cautious.