National Guard Deployment in Memphis Amid Legal Turmoil Over Chicago Troops

Fri Oct 10 2025 18:18:42 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

National Guard troops are set to begin their patrolling duties in Memphis, Tennessee, while a federal judge in Illinois has halted similar deployments in Chicago, igniting a political and legal battle over President Trump's handling of crime and federal law.

Memphis will see the arrival of National Guard troops this Friday, tasked with monitoring the streets as part of a response to local community support. Conversely, a federal judge has blocked the deployment of the National Guard in Chicago for two weeks due to a lack of evidence of civil unrest. This contrasting situation highlights a larger political clash over crime rates and federal intervention across various U.S. cities.

National Guard troops are expected to begin patrolling Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday, following a decision by state officials that will aid local law enforcement in crime observation. This comes on the heels of a recent federal court ruling in Illinois that has temporarily blocked the deployment of similar troops in the Chicago area for an additional two weeks.

This development emphasizes the polarizing views on crime control in the U.S. The Trump administration’s recent push to send National Guard troops to several cities, including Chicago, has been met with vehement opposition from local leaders and legal challenges. The administration argues that escalating crime rates necessitate such action, despite various statistics suggesting otherwise.

U.S. District Judge April Perry issued the ruling after finding insufficient evidence to support claims of an imminent rebellion, thus siding with Democratic state officials. The court confirmed what we all know: There is no credible evidence of a rebellion in Illinois, and no place for the National Guard in the streets of American cities like Chicago, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker stated after the decision.

As the memos are sorted out, the troops in Memphis will function as additional eyes and ears for law enforcement, reflecting Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s backing of the deployment. Memphis authorities claim this support will bolster the efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement in addressing crime.

The contradiction of these deployments illustrates a national debate over federal influence and intervention in local law enforcement matters, especially in cities viewed as struggle spots in terms of crime and social unrest.

In her decision, Judge Perry highlighted concerns regarding a violation of the 10th Amendment, which protects states’ rights, alongside the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection and due process under the law.

As this legal situation unfolds, the fate of hundreds of Guard members remains uncertain, though their presence has already caused ripples in the community, especially around law enforcement agencies and immigration facilities.

Amidst this backdrop, other states have voiced strong support or opposition regarding deployments related to the ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities on policing strategy.