We’ve Got Your Back,” Hegseth Tells Officers in Memphis

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and White House aide Stephen Miller traveled to Memphis on Wednesday to support the federal law enforcement surge ordered by President Trump.

“We’re not here to second-guess you,” Hegseth told a gathering of federal, state, and local officers along with Tennessee National Guard members. “We’re here to have your back—to unleash you to do your jobs so you come home safely.”

The initiative, which includes more than 200 officers deputized from immigration and drug enforcement agencies, is focused on serving arrest warrants and teaming with state partners on traffic enforcement. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, has said National Guard troops will assist Memphis police, though he clarified they will not make arrests or be armed unless local authorities specifically request it.

Bondi announced earlier in the day that the task force had already made 53 arrests and seized 20 illegal firearms in just two days. Miller rallied the officers, calling the operation an “all-of-government, unlimited support” mission that would make Memphis “safer than any of you could ever possibly imagine,” adding that stronger security would lead to new investment and growth in the city.

Not all officials are on board. Rep. Steve Cohen, a Democrat who represents Memphis, criticized the visit and the rhetoric. In a letter to Hegseth and Bondi, he said he was disappointed they did not notify him of their trip and urged more cooperation. “Memphians are not enemies; they are Americans,” Cohen wrote. “They are entitled to constitutional rights, not their government working to intimidate, demoralize, hunt and kill them.”

Memphis has long struggled with high rates of violent crime, including homicides and carjackings, though some categories have shown recent improvement. Critics of the deployment say the city needs more investment in poverty reduction and community programs, not a heavy federal presence. Supporters argue the additional officers are a necessary boost to fight persistent violence.

Hegseth emphasized that the President himself is closely monitoring the results. “From the top, to right here,” he said, “President Trump is paying attention to the data.”

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