Memphis Council Requests Removal of Federal Agencies

The city council voted to urge the removal of ICE and the Tennessee National Guard following recent task force operations.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a civic building silhouette, navy and cream, evoking institutional policy and civic tension. — The Memphis City Council voted to urge the removal of federal law enforcement agencies following recent task force operations in the city. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local city councils demand the removal of federal law enforcement agencies from their jurisdictions?

The Memphis City Council passed a resolution requesting the departure of ICE and the Tennessee National Guard from the city. Council members cited recent ICE raids and local unrest as the primary motivation for the symbolic vote.

Why it matters

The vote highlights community tension regarding the presence of the Memphis Safe Task Force, which has operated in the city for the past year. Supporters of the resolution argued the measure reflects local desires for safer neighborhoods and reduced crime.

The resolution passed with 9 affirmative votes and one abstention. This vote follows the detention of 121 people by ICE at a bar in Berclair.

The players

Yolanda Cooper-Sutton

She serves as a Memphis City Council member who co-introduced the resolution.

Michalyn Easter-Thomas

She is a Memphis City Council member who co-introduced the resolution.

Rhonda Logan

She is a Memphis City Council member who requested a partial amendment to the resolution.

Memphis Safe Task Force

This multi-agency group has conducted operations in the city for the past 12 months.

The details

Council members Yolanda Cooper-Sutton and Michalyn Easter-Thomas introduced the measure, though Councilwoman Rhonda Logan notably requested that only ICE, rather than the National Guard, be removed. Two attendees were escorted from the chamber for shouting during the meeting.

October 6, 2026: Committee members discussed the resolution.
October 20, 2026: The City Council passed the resolution.

Legal Context

The council's resolution highlights the tension between municipal advocacy and the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which generally subordinates local ordinances to federal jurisdiction. This move reflects a broader national trend of local governments attempting to assert influence over federal enforcement operations.

The resolution holds no legal power, meaning that the presence and operations of the Memphis Safe Task Force will continue as currently authorized. Residents should not expect immediate changes to law enforcement visibility or active patrols in their neighborhoods.

The takeaway

While the vote demonstrates significant political pushback from city officials, it does not mandate the removal of federal personnel. Citizens interested in local policy should monitor future council sessions for potential follow-up legislative efforts.