Image Credit: Governor Lee / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Though the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) currently has no deadline by which to conclude its operations, Governor Bill Lee’s team is reportedly working on a long-term plan to keep Memphis safe after the law enforcement surge eventually sunsets.
“This is an incredible partnership from law enforcement agencies that is historically transforming the crime picture in Memphis. And Memphis is a great American city, it’s been beleaguered with crime, and for the first time in decades, the city is being freed from that. So, we’re very hopeful, but we do understand that this has to continue and we have to have a sustained plan for it, we’re working on that,” Lee said.
The governor made no mention as to the specifics or timeline of this plan, but he has been consistent in his advocacy for a long-term crime solution in the city, previously saying he wants the task force to continue indefinitely.
“We do know this is going to last for months, and we have just begun. In fact, I will tell you that it will last forever. It’ll just change in its scope as we execute through the mission,” he stated back in October.
Speculations have circulated that the MSTF could be in effect at its current level for an entire year, especially as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth sent a letter to Gov. Lee informing him that the Department of Defense is prepared to authorize and fund up to 1,000 Tennessee National Guard personnel to work with the task force through September of 2026.
The MSTF has yielded impressive results in the approximately two months since beginning operations, making 3,447 total arrests, including 353 gang members, recovering 121 missing children, and seizing 536 firearms as of Dec. 1.
And the U.S. Marshals Service recently revealed that many of those arrested with gang connections have been discovered to have deeper ties to other terrorist groups and organizations.
While the MSTF is not necessarily targeting foreign terrorist networks, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Ryan Guay believes the apprehension of these individuals is certainly a benefit of the MSTF crackdown.
“I hope that one less gang member off the street, one less terrorist organization, members off the street, the safer Memphis can become,” he said.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
