Suspects detained in the first days of the operation include those wanted for allegedly raping a child under the age of 13, a first-degree murderer, multiple robbery suspects, and several charged with aggravated assault, among other crimes.
Trump administration officials applauded the initial successes and said the law enforcement strategy serves as a model for the rest of the nation.
“In 2024, Memphis had the highest violent crime rate, highest property crime rate, and third-highest murder rate in the United States, but things are about to change,” Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman, told The Epoch Times by email.
“Following the president’s highly successful operation to combat violent crime in D.C., which objectively drove down crime rates across the board, the president has set his sights on making Memphis safe again!
“The president’s decision to address crime in Memphis will benefit all who live in and visit Memphis.”
Memphis resident Daphne Carpenter, 37, was taking a break from work at a restaurant on the legendary Beale Street on Oct. 3 when she told The Epoch Times that many in the city are welcoming Trump’s efforts.
“It’s going to do good, it’s going to cut out a lot, a whole lot of violence,” Carpenter said.
“Almost every weekend there’s a shooting down here … and somebody getting killed,” Carpenter said.
No National Guard members were seen, so far, patrolling downtown or the neighborhoods in the immediate vicinity, according to the dozens of individuals The Epoch Times spoke with between Oct. 2 and Oct. 3.
While walking and driving around the city, The Epoch Times noticed many marked police vehicles out on patrol, but did not observe any National Guard troops.
“My responsibility as mayor is to ensure that every new resource strengthens our neighborhoods, supports our families, and builds on that progress.
“Our goal is to ensure that the state and federal efforts coming to Memphis are guided by one purpose: to uplift our community and accelerate a safer, stronger future.”