Memphis Safe Task Force Reports 93 Arrests, Seizes 28 Illegal Guns in Early Operations

Memphis, TN – The Memphis Safe Task Force has reported a significant impact in its initial operations, making 93 arrests and seizing 28 illegal firearms within a short timeframe. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced these figures, highlighting the task force's efforts to combat crime in the city. The operation, launched in late September 2025, aims to restore public safety through enhanced law enforcement presence and aggressive prosecution.

"In just 72 hours, our Memphis Safe Task Force is making an incredible impact in this iconic American city," Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated in a recent tweet. She further detailed, "Yesterday 40 arrests were made including a Tren de Aragua terrorist, a felon in possession of a firearm, a man wanted for rape of a child, and an arrest for assault on a federal officer."

The Memphis Safe Task Force was established by a Presidential Memorandum from Donald J. Trump in September 2025, following concerns over rising violent crime rates in Memphis. The directive created a multi-agency effort, chaired by an individual selected by the Attorney General, to coordinate hypervigilant policing and complex investigations. The U.S. Marshals Service is spearheading the operation, which includes personnel from various federal and state agencies.

Among the notable arrests mentioned by Attorney General Bondi is an individual identified as a "Tren de Aragua terrorist." Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan transnational criminal organization known for its involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and human smuggling. Its presence has been increasingly detected in other countries, including the United States, raising concerns among law enforcement agencies.

The task force's operations have not been without controversy. Local officials and community advocates have raised questions regarding the transparency of arrest details and the deployment of the National Guard. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris declared a state of emergency due to the strain on detention centers and joined a lawsuit challenging the National Guard's presence. Despite these concerns, Attorney General Bondi affirmed her support for law enforcement, stating, "My message to law enforcement is simple: we have your back!"