Judge Pauses Order Blocking National Guard Deployment in Memphis

Court Order Challenges Governor’s Authority in Memphis

A judge’s order blocking Tennessee National Guard troops from operating in Memphis, Tennessee remains on hold while the state appeals. Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal issued the ruling as part of a lawsuit filed by Democratic state and local officials. The lawsuit argues that Governor Bill Lee cannot deploy the Guard for civil unrest unless conditions such as rebellion or invasion are present and local officials request assistance.

The judge wrote that no rebellion or invasion is occurring in Memphis. She paused the order for at least five days to allow the state to file an application for permission to appeal.

State to Appeal While National Guard Stays in Memphis

Governor Lee’s office said the Tennessee National Guard will continue supporting the crime-fighting task force during the appeal, as allowed by the judge’s pause. A spokesperson stated that the state will appeal the ruling. The judge noted that Lee did not issue a specific written order deploying the troops and said the only document in the record is a press release announcing the deployment.

As of November 13, Memphis Police reported that 140 to 180 Guard personnel were on the ground. The total is expected to increase to about 350, though it remains unclear whether the court order will affect that plan.

Task Force Deployment Announced by President Trump

President Donald Trump announced in September that the National Guard would be deployed to assist with crime reduction in Memphis as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force. The task force includes hundreds of personnel from federal and state law enforcement agencies and Memphis police. It has made more than 2,500 arrests since operations began in late September.

Guard troops arrived on October 10 and have been patrolling neighborhoods and commercial areas. They wear camouflage and vests marked “military police,” and they do not have authority to make arrests or conduct searches.

Local Officials Respond to Deployment

Memphis Mayor Paul Young did not request the National Guard deployment. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, who argues that the Guard’s presence harms the city’s reputation. Judge Moskal stated that the Guard’s function within the task force serves a support and deterrence role rather than a critical operational role.