The U.S. Marshals Service announced that more than 10,000 arrests have been made by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies participating in the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) since its deployment in September 2025.
According to the Wednesday press release, authorities have made 10,017 arrests since the MSTF was deployed last year. These include 92 homicide arrests, 105 for sex offenses, 962 involving firearms violations, and 1,012 for controlled substances.
The Marshals additionally noted that 293 of those arrested were juveniles, while 1,062 were “known gang members.” They also said authorities have seized more than 1,700 illegal firearms, which Vice President JD Vance said last year are often found in possession of felons who are not legally allowed to carry a gun.
“This is a significant milestone for the dedicated men and women working around the clock to end street and violent crime in Memphis,” said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller of the Western District of Tennessee.
“By removing these illicit firearms from Memphis streets and making 10,000 arrests, we have achieved unprecedented results, not just for the Task Force, but for all the residents and visitors to our beloved city,” said Miller. “I am extremely proud of the work they have done and that they will continue to do to fulfill the President’s pledge.”
Citing the city’s longstanding crime issues and its significant cultural contributions to the country, President Donald Trump promised in his September 15, 2025 presidential memo that his administration would restore order in Memphis.
“The city, a beacon of American culture that was Elvis’s home and is often called the birthplace of rock and roll and the blues, should be safe and secure for all of its citizens and Americans who visit its historic landmarks such as Graceland, Beale Street, and the Memphis Pyramid,” wrote Trump last year. “To restore public safety and order, State and local leaders have requested Federal assistance, and I will act quickly to ensure that Federal authorities assist Memphis law enforcement to the fullest possible extent.”
Additional data maintained by the City of Memphis reveal that 14,134 arrests have been made in Memphis by all law enforcement agencies since the task force was deployed.
The city also tracks a 41 percent decrease in all crime reports, and a 17 percent decrease in all calls for police service. The department has also increased its case clearance rate from about 15 percent in 2024 to over 25 percent in 2026.
MSTF reaches the milestone of 10,000 arrests as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sues in federal court, alleging that the task force is retaliating against Memphis residents by using Tennessee’s new Halo Law, which makes it a criminal offense to remain within 25 feet of law enforcement after being ordered to move.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tennessee National Guard” by Tennessee National Guard.
