Memphis Safe Task Force Makes Nearly 300 Arrests Seizing Over 70 Firearms

The Memphis Safe Task Force, led by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi under President Donald Trump's direction, has made significant progress in reducing crime with 273 arrests and 73 illegal firearms seized within the first week of operations. The task force's efforts include arresting multiple gang members, a murder suspect, and a juvenile found with methamphetamine, contributing to a notable decrease in violent crimes such as homicides, aggravated assaults, vehicle thefts, and robberies compared to the previous week. Memphis Mayor Paul Young highlighted the collaborative work between federal agents and the Memphis Police Department (MPD), which has also made 167 arrests independently, noting an overall crime decline of 13% in 2024 and 16% so far in 2025. However, community leaders and the Memphis NAACP have expressed concerns about the potential impact of increased enforcement on residents. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy warned that the surge in arrests could overwhelm the justice system, suggesting the need for solutions like a night court to manage case backlogs. The task force's ongoing operations reflect a broader federal and local commitment to enhancing public safety in Memphis.