Federal Law Enforcement Expands Operations in More U.S. Cities
Federal law enforcement crackdowns are accelerating in cities across the United States, including in Memphis, Tennessee; Chicago, Illinois; and Portland, Oregon.
President Trump said the federal law enforcement presence is necessary to assist with crime fighting and immigration removal efforts. The president has criticized Democrats in those cities for being light on crime and for sanctuary city policies.
Memphis
The latest city on the front line is Memphis.
“Our operation in Memphis is now underway, and we’re just getting started,” wrote U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who visited Memphis this week alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
So far, the Memphis task force has made more than 50 arrests over a two-day period. More than 200 federal officers have been specially deputized, and the joint operations center is fully operational.
Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) criticized the move.
“What we are seeing is federal overreach disguised as crime prevention. Memphis doesn’t need Washington sending in troops—we need investment in jobs, housing, and real community safety measures,” said Rep. Cohen.
Chicago
In Chicago, dozens of armed federal agents have been deployed after repeated clashes between protesters and ICE agents in recent weeks, especially around the Broadview ICE facility.
DHS also sent a memo to the Pentagon requesting the deployment of 100 military troops in Illinois to protect ICE personnel and facilities. Governor JB Pritzker (D-IL) called the move “deeply concerning” and suggested it could escalate tensions further.
The city is also the focus of Operation Midway Blitz; a joint operation aimed at cracking down on illegal migrants in the Chicago area. DHS says 800 illegal migrants have been arrested since the operation began on September 8.
Portland, Oregon
And in Portland, some 200 to 250 National Guard troops started initial military training on how to respond to civil disturbances in the city. The training includes legal briefings and reviewing "special rules for the use of force.” Deployment is not expected until sometime next week.
Governor Tina Kotek (D-OR) condemned the buildup, warning it could further inflame tensions.
“For the members of the Oregon National Guard, their mission is to stand up and protect Oregonians, and they will do that every day, but they are not needed in the city,” said Governor Kotek.
President Trump Talks Use of Military in Cities
This comes as President Trump spoke to a gathering of top U.S. military generals in Virginia. On the issue of crime in cities, the president said that U.S. cities could serve as a “training ground” for the U.S. military.
“We’re under invasion from within. No different than a foreign enemy but more difficult in many ways because they don’t wear uniforms,” said the president.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called the remarks “disturbing.”