Memphis Safe Task Force Cracks 1,000 Arrests

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

As of Friday, Oct. 17, the Memphis Safe Task Force has made over 1,000 arrests, with nearly 200 of them related to immigration. 

In almost three weeks of operations, the task force reported 1,044 total arrests including 8 homicides, 116 narcotics arrests, 100 related to firearms, 48 sex offenses, 92 known gang members, and 418 warrants served, according to Local Memphis.

Additionally, the task force reported 206 firearms seizures and the recovery of 56 missing children, up from 45 rescues last week.

And reportedly, 187 of the task force’s arrests have been related to immigration, accounting for approximately 18% of overall arrests.

In response to the exponentially increase of arrests through the task force’s operations, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris declared a local state of emergency, saying the roughly 200% increase in daily arrests have put more pressure on the county’s already-overcrowded detention center and local law enforcement agencies.

“Despite tireless efforts by County personnel to mitigate the situation, current populations in all detention facilities of Shelby County, Tennessee are strained and near or at maximum capacity, with staffing limited,” reads Harris’ declaration.

The increased volume of arrests has also reportedly contributed to delays within the legal system, as noted by Criminal Defense Attorney Phil Harvey.

“When I have clients who are first-time offenders, with no prior record, and they’re arrested on non-violent misdemeanors, it should not take five days for them to get booked, processed, and bonded out,” Harvey said.

The conditions of the county jail have been a major topic of conversations amongst elected officials for months, well prior to the start of the Memphis Safe Task Force, and Sheriff Floyd Bonner stated the sheriff’s department is collaborating with other agencies to handle the additional arrests and reduce the jail population. 

Families with arrested members are being advised to post bond as soon as possible and to understand they cannot “count on” any assurances that an individual may see a judge within 72 hours.

The mayor has said the state of emergency will last until the end of task force operations or until the populations of detention centers are at or below capacity level. 

About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.