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Memphis Safe Task Force removal resolution

At a glance

Based on auto-generated captions; names and details may be misheard.

  • What: item 32, a resolution calling on the city to partner with residents and community organizations on public safety strategies and calling for the removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Tennessee National Guard personnel participating in the Memphis Safe Task Force. Sponsors: Councilmembers Easter-Thomas and Cooper-Sutton, with Warren, Green and Smiley added.
  • Where it stands: debated for about 83 minutes on 10/20/2026 after being held from October 6. The roll call is not audible in the captions; the result is not captured (verify with the minutes).
  • Next: check the minutes for the vote.

Sponsors' case

  • The resolution recites that the task force began under a presidential memorandum of September 15, 2025 with operations from September 29, 2025, that Memphis police reported crime at a 25-year low before it arrived, that an August 30, 2026 ICE operation detained 121 people, and that six people died during or after task force operations.
  • Councilmember Easter-Thomas said the resolution cannot itself remove anyone but is a statement the council can make. Green and Smiley recalled a similar 2025 resolution that was voted down. Warren asked to be added as a co-sponsor.

Objections

  • Logan said she agreed on ICE but asked whether the National Guard could be removed from the text, citing constituent thanks for safer streets. A sponsor said no: the Guard has made no arrests in the police chief's reports and a guardsman shot a man in the back.

Public comment

  • More than 40 speakers, nearly all in favor: veterans, faith leaders, immigrant families including children, service providers and a representative. Points: families separated, the four men named as killed by task force personnel, fear of work, school and church, the cost (figures of $350 million and a million dollars a day were cited by speakers), and a request to spend on services instead.
  • A retired fire chief said the task force's arrival only pushed the police department to act. The chamber was disrupted and people escorted out at least twice.

Vote

  • Councilmember Canale abstained and Warren's yes was added after the screen missed it; the rest of the roll call and the result are not captured.

Sources

Discussion time

About 86 minutes across 2 meetings (from transcript timestamps; approximate).

Meeting Minutes
2026-10-20 - Memphis City Council 83
2026-10-08 - Memphis City Council 3

Log