President Donald Trump has decided to pivot away from his initial plans to target Chicago as part of his domestic crime initiative. This strategic shift comes after advisers cautioned him that deploying troops to assist local law enforcement without the support of the state’s governor could lead to significant legal complications. Sources familiar with the situation revealed to CNN that while Trump has maintained that he possesses the authority to send the National Guard wherever he deems necessary, he has chosen to focus on Memphis for the time being.
The decision to prioritize Memphis stems from the willingness of the state’s Republican governor, Bill Lee, to accept federal assistance in combating crime. In contrast, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has been clear about his lack of cooperation with Trump’s initiatives. The administration's pivot to Memphis illustrates a calculated approach to avoid potential backlash and legal issues that may arise from federal troop deployments in cities with Democratic leadership.
Trump's inclination to target blue cities such as Chicago, Baltimore, and New York remains, as he has indicated that these areas might still see troop deployments in the future. However, the administration's decision to engage with Memphis first indicates an awareness of the political sensitivities involved in such operations.
Polling data suggests that while many voters are concerned about rising crime rates, there is skepticism regarding the effectiveness of sending troops into cities as a solution. The optics of federal troops operating in Democratic-led cities could exacerbate public concerns, especially if local leaders oppose such actions. Moreover, it's important to note that federalized troops are restricted from conducting law enforcement activities due to the Posse Comitatus Act.
Even in Memphis, where federal assistance is welcomed, local leaders express reservations about the federal presence. Mayor Paul Young has voiced his preference for resources like the FBI, DEA, and ATF rather than the National Guard. “I am focused on the resources. Those are the things that I believe will truly help us be able to support law enforcement and reduce violent crime. I do not support the National Guard,” he stated. Young acknowledged that while the National Guard is coming, he aims to collaborate with them to strategize on engaging with the community effectively.
Trump's announcement regarding Memphis came during an interview on Fox News, where he expressed his initial preference for Chicago but affirmed, “I’ll be the first to say it now, we’re going to Memphis.” The administration has begun to implement a strategy that includes close coordination with local officials, emphasizing a multi-faceted approach to crime reduction.
Sources familiar with the operation indicated that plans for addressing crime in Memphis have been in the works for several weeks. Governor Lee has been active on social media, stating his ongoing communication with the Trump administration to develop a strategic plan that utilizes both federal and state resources.
The formal announcement of the Memphis operation is expected soon, with initial troop deployments anticipated as early as next week. The approach in Memphis will largely mirror the administration's previous efforts in Washington, DC, where federal agencies collaborated effectively with local law enforcement, a dynamic that is more challenging to replicate in other blue states due to political differences.
Lee elaborated on the forthcoming plans, detailing a comprehensive mission that involves the Tennessee National Guard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Memphis Police Department. This collaborative effort aims to ensure the most effective use of resources to serve the residents of Memphis.
Alongside the crime reduction strategies, the Trump administration is also intensifying immigration enforcement in various cities, including Chicago and Boston. It remains uncertain whether the National Guard will be employed in these immigration operations, as the administration has not ruled out this possibility.
