Federal Crime Crackdown Leads to 153 Arrests in Memphis Since Monday: White House

MEMPHIS—Law enforcement agencies are working together to patrol high-crime areas, and residents are reporting significantly increased levels of police activity, with dozens of unmarked vehicles seen around town since President Donald Trump ordered federal agents to assist state and local officials in Tennessee.

Joint investigations led to 153 arrests, including at least five gang members, over the past four days, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a briefing on Oct. 3. Authorities also recovered five missing children and seized 48 illegal firearms.

“We continue to see good results coming in through Memphis, and the president is very excited about making Memphis safe again,” Leavitt said.

Suspects detained in the first days of the operation include those wanted for allegedly raping a child under the age of 13, a first-degree murderer, multiple robbery suspects, and several charged with aggravated assault, among other crimes.

Trump administration officials applauded the initial successes and said the law enforcement strategy serves as a model for the rest of the nation.

“In 2024, Memphis had the highest violent crime rate, highest property crime rate, and third-highest murder rate in the United States, but things are about to change,” Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman, told The Epoch Times by email.

“Following the president’s highly successful operation to combat violent crime in D.C., which objectively drove down crime rates across the board, the president has set his sights on making Memphis safe again!

“The president’s decision to address crime in Memphis will benefit all who live in and visit Memphis.”

Memphis resident Daphne Carpenter, 37, was taking a break from work at a restaurant on the legendary Beale Street on Oct. 3 when she told The Epoch Times that many in the city are welcoming Trump’s efforts.

“It’s going to do good, it’s going to cut out a lot, a whole lot of violence,” Carpenter said.

The popular downtown entertainment district—known for live music, eateries, and bars—has grown increasingly dangerous in recent years, she said.

“Almost every weekend there’s a shooting down here … and somebody getting killed,” Carpenter said.

No National Guard members were seen, so far, patrolling downtown or the neighborhoods in the immediate vicinity, according to the dozens of individuals The Epoch Times spoke with between Oct. 2 and Oct. 3.

While walking and driving around the city, The Epoch Times noticed many marked police vehicles out on patrol, but did not observe any National Guard troops.

Once they do arrive, their mission is to support the local law enforcement, according to a statement from the city.

Local leaders are calling the collaboration between city, state, and federal partners an opportunity to further reduce crime, emphasizing that since January 2024, rates of criminal activity have been declining.

“In Memphis, we rise to every challenge,” Mayor Paul Young said in a statement.

“My responsibility as mayor is to ensure that every new resource strengthens our neighborhoods, supports our families, and builds on that progress.

“Our goal is to ensure that the state and federal efforts coming to Memphis are guided by one purpose: to uplift our community and accelerate a safer, stronger future.”