Nearly double the number of National Guard troops currently deployed in Memphis are en route to the city to continue operations under the Memphis Safe Task Force, a spokesperson from the Memphis Police Department (MPD) confirmed.
On Thursday, the MPD spokesperson told WREG Memphis that the number of National Guard troops will increase to approximately 350.
There are upwards of 180 guardsmen currently in the city.
Faith King, public affairs manager with MPD, told the outlet, “Over the next few days, we anticipate the total presence will increase to roughly 350. These men and women are working in the community, serving as additional eyes and ears to support law enforcement.”
WREG went on to report that “a source with knowledge of the situation” has claimed the number of guardsmen may increase to around 900 and be sent to each of MPD’s nine precincts, citing discussions around Governor Bill Lee’s office.
MEMPHIS SAFE TASK FORCE
Update as of November 12, 20252506 Total Arrests
412 Firearms Seized
111 Missing Children Located
293 Gang Members Arrested #MemphisSafeTaskForce #usmarshals pic.twitter.com/Qp9JH5QPUe— U.S. Marshals Service (@USMarshalsHQ) November 12, 2025
In less than two months since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, authorities have made over 2,500 arrests, seized 412 firearms and “substantial quantities of narcotics and related contraband,” and located 411 missing children, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Under the Memphis Safe Task Force, guardsmen assist MPD with community safety patrols by “maintaining a visible presence and promoting public safety across the city.”
“Our priority remains the same- supporting law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to promote a safer community for all who live, work, and visit Memphis,” the Tennessee National Guard said.
Tennessee National Guardsmen have reportedly logged more than 1,200 hours alongside MPD since the October 10 deployment to the city.
Gadyaces S. Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service and Chairman of the Memphis Safe Task Force, credited Memphis’s progress to strong behind-the-scenes coordination among local, state, and federal agencies working together through a Joint Operations Command Center, as well as to President Donald Trump’s genuine commitment to improving safety in the city.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
