President Trump’s decision to send federal forces and National Guard troops reflects his authoritarian desire to control any community guided by policies and principles that conflict with his political agenda. There is no emergency that merits sending federal forces and the National Guard – without the request, approval or cooperation of state and local officials – into Memphis, and the presence of these forces will only make our city less safe and less secure. The action will result in violations of basic rights and liberties of people across the city. 

Facts About Trump’s Sending Federal Forces and the National Guard to Memphis: 

  • President Trump issued a memorandum establishing a regressive policing task force made up of various federal departments and agencies — including the FBI, ICE, and DEA — to go into Memphis. 
  • The memo also orders the Secretary of Defense to request state National Guard troops from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. 
  • There is no emergency that requires the introduction of federal forces and the National Guard in the city. These federal forces and the National Guard are not here to advance public safety; they are part of Trump’s larger program to intimidate and stoke fear among people who do not share his vision for mass deportation and detention and other policies that threaten the civil rights and civil liberties of residents across Memphis. 
  • In Los Angeles and Washington, DC – where Trump already has sent in federal forces and National Guard troops to the streets of those communities – we have seen widespread abuse of fundamental rights: the right to protest; the press's right to cover protest and civil rights abuses; the use of excessive force by federal agents (especially by ICE in federal civil immigration enforcement); and the widespread use of racial profiling, with federal agents stopping and detaining people simply because of their racial background or because they are present in heavily immigrant neighborhoods. 
  • The ACLU challenged these abuses in Los Angeles, winning key court rulings that blocked federal officers from interfering with the press's coverage of their activities and engaging in certain types of unconstitutional arrests and detentions. 

hands holding with the National guard silhouette in the background

The following information is not legal advice. It is, however, a resource to help you understand what your rights are when encountering law enforcement or military troops in Memphis. 

Stay informed

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Your Constitutional Rights

It is important to recognize that your safety matters. At times, staying safe may mean obeying any direct commands, even if you feel you are being treated unfairly or illegally.

rear view mirror with police vehicle in it
  • You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud. 
  • You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home. Do not obstruct if the officer continues to conduct the search anyway. Clearly say: "I do not consent to a search." 
  • Ask if you are free to go. If the police say you are not being detained, you have the right to calmly leave. 
  • You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately. 
  • Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights. 

We recommend that you:

  • Keep your hands where law enforcement can see them 
  • Do not run away 
  • Do not lie to law enforcement 

For more information: 

Interacting with law enforcement: website | printable card 
Protesting: website | printable card 

If You're Asked About Your Immigration Status:

Know Your Rights If Stopped by ICE: Immigrant Resource Hub 

police holding american flag, passport, and social security card
  • You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you're a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country. 
  • Do not lie about your citizenship status, your name, or provide false documents. 
  • If you're not a U.S. citizen and have valid immigration documents, you should show them only if an immigration agent requests them.

If You Witness Police or Military Activity:

For more information on the HALO Act: FAQ Understanding the PEACE Act

woman looking outside window worriedly
  • You have a right to tell people about their rights. 
  • You have the right to photograph or film anything in plain view, including federal buildings and law enforcement. But you should not interfere. 
  • You can ask for officers’ names and badge numbers, as well as ask whom to call with questions about any arrests or actions by any federal agents. If possible, write these down, along with any other relevant observations. 

Tennessee-Specific Information:

Tennessee Highway Patrol has already increased its presence in Shelby County, with approximately 50 additional officers deployed as of this deployment announcement. 

Tennessee State Capitol Building

Governor Bill Lee has indicated willingness to deploy Tennessee National Guard troops to Memphis in coordination with federal forces. According to Tennessee law, the National Guard members will not have full law enforcement powers unless Governor Lee declares a state of emergency in Memphis and Shelby County.

Important: Tennessee's PEACE Act (2025) 

Tennessee recently passed the PEACE Act, which expands police powers in ways that may affect your interactions with law enforcement during this deployment. Key provisions include: 

Stop and Identify Requirements: 

  • Police can stop you and request identification if they have reasonable suspicion a crime has been or is about to be committed 
  • You are NOT required to carry physical ID - failure to produce ID is not a crime 
  • You have the right to remain silent when asked to identify yourself - there is no criminal penalty for staying silent 
  • It is only a crime (Class C misdemeanor) to intentionally provide a false name to an officer who has lawfully detained or arrested you 

25-Foot “Halo” Law: 

  • Police conducting traffic stops, criminal investigations, or addressing immediate public safety threats can order people to stay at least 25 feet away 
    • This does not automatically apply - officers must give a specific order to stop or retreat 
  • Violations are Class B misdemeanors 
  • Your right to observe and record police remains protected - but officers may use this law to restrict how close you can get 
  • The only valid defense is if the officer's order could not be properly received or understood 

Enhanced Arrest Powers:

  • Officers can now arrest for any misdemeanor based on probable cause, even if they didn't witness the crime 
  • This expands police authority beyond previous requirements 

Other Restrictions:

  • Littering or trespassing “with intent to intimidate” someone exercising their rights is now criminalized 

  • Transporting people in box trucks on public roads is prohibited 

  • Placing unauthorized signs on highways, bridges, or overpasses is a Class B misdemeanor 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PEACE ACT 

For immediate legal assistance or to report violations of your rights, contact: 

This guide is provided by the ACLU of Tennessee as a public service. Your safety is paramount - use your best judgment in any encounter with law enforcement or military personnel.