Tennessee Judge Blocks National Guard in Memphis

Tennessee Judge Blocks National Guards Crime-Fighting Role in Memphis: A Legal Battle EnsuesA Tennessee judge has temporarily halted the use of the National Guard in Memphis, a move linked to a crime-fighting operation initiated by former President Donald Trump. The ruling, issued earlier this week, gives the state five days to appeal. This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by local and state Democratic officials who argue that Republican Governor Bill Lee overstepped his authority. The officials contend that the Tennessee National Guard can only be deployed for civil unrest in cases of rebellion or invasion, and even then, it would require action from state lawmakers. They also point to a provision suggesting a local government request is necessary for the Guards involvement in situations like a breakdown of law and order. The state, however, maintains that Tennessee law grants the governor the power to dispatch the Guard when needed and to determine when that need arises. This legal disagreement highlights ongoing tensions between state and local authorities regarding the appropriate use of military personnel in domestic law enforcement. Since their arrival on October tenth, Guard troops have been seen patrolling Memphis neighborhoods and commercial areas, including near the iconic Pyramid downtown. They wear fatigues and protective vests marked military police, with guns in holsters. Officials have clarified that these Guard members do not possess arrest powers. The National Guards presence is part of a larger task force established by an order from President Trump, which also includes various other law enforcement agencies that have been patrolling the city for several weeks now. DNN | The Daily News Now! The world’s first global local news network. Every city. Every story. AI powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.