People across Tennessee joined protests Saturday, including a group in Nashville, to oppose the upcoming deployment of the National Guard to Memphis. The deployment is part of a new initiative called the “Memphis Safe Task Force” announced by President Trump, with support from Governor Bill Lee.
At the protests, participants expressed concern that the use of military personnel in cities is an overreach of governmental power. “The president is using the military against the people, and that’s unconstitutional,” said one protester, Lisa Weinger. Organizers in Nashville said the city’s residents have not requested troops and that deploying the Guard is not the right answer to crime.
Governor Lee has detailed the plan for the task force, saying it will operate through multiple agencies, including the National Guard, FBI, and others. Troops assigned to the effort will wear identifiable uniforms and will not carry arms. They also will not have authority to make arrests or issue warrants unless asked.
Supporters of the protests voiced worry that Memphis might not be the only city affected. “I don’t want this for Memphis,” protest organizer Mandy Cook said. “I also don’t want this for Nashville. I really don’t want it for any U.S. city.” The city of Memphis says they have been preparing for the deployment for weeks and operations are expected to begin next week.