Memphis, Tennessee, September 13, 2025
News Summary
President Trump has announced the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis to address increasing crime rates. This decision comes as crime concerns grow across American cities, though major Alabama cities like Birmingham and Montgomery are not included in the deployment plans. Governor Kay Ivey has instead launched the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS) to tackle crime in Montgomery. Critics, including California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, question the lack of federal support for Alabama cities facing significant crime challenges.
Trump to Deploy National Guard in Memphis; Alabama’s Major Cities Not on Target List Despite Crime Concerns
MEMPHIS, Tennessee – President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis as part of an effort to combat escalating crime rates in the city. This move follows similar past deployments in places like Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles and marks a significant step in the administration’s approach to public safety in urban areas.
The decision to send National Guard troops to Memphis comes amidst growing crime concerns across various American cities. Trump has also indicated that similar interventions could be considered for cities experiencing high crime rates, including Chicago and Baltimore.
In Alabama, major cities such as Birmingham and Montgomery face significant challenges with violent crime, yet Governor Kay Ivey’s office has confirmed that they are not currently included in Trump’s National Guard deployment plans. Instead, Ivey has emphasized her commitment to tackling crime through the establishment of the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS), launched on June 24 to address rising violent crime specifically in Montgomery.
MACS brings together law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, and local police departments. This initiative reflects Ivey’s prioritization of public safety in response to alarming crime rates, particularly in Birmingham, which has been cited as a problematic area due to its leadership and policies.
Despite Governor Ivey’s focus on enhancing crime prevention measures in Alabama, the state’s cities are not receiving the same federal attention as Memphis. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt has pointed fingers at Birmingham, associating its high crime rates with failing policies from leadership in the city.
Critics of the National Guard deployment strategy include California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has voiced concerns over Trump’s inaction in addressing crime in states like Alabama, which has a disturbing homicide rate of 10.9 per 100,000 people, ranking it fourth-highest in the nation.
2024 has been a particularly troubling year for Birmingham, with homicides soaring to 151; however, preliminary reports for 2025 show a decrease, with 57 homicides recorded as of the latest data. Montgomery is also grappling with serious crime issues; despite a drop in some violent offenses this year, domestic violence remains a critical concern complicating efforts to reduce crime.
Local leaders continue to engage in discussions on the best ways to combat crime effectively. Senator Tommy Tuberville, a gubernatorial candidate, has expressed support for deploying National Guard troops in both Birmingham and Montgomery should he be elected. On the other hand, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed argues that crime is on the decline and advocates for directing resources towards community enhancement, rather than military intervention.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has praised the MACS initiative, noting its effectiveness yet cautioning that success may be harder to replicate in Birmingham due to its distinct challenges and jurisdictional complexities. Additionally, State Representative Reed Ingram has proposed a legislative bill to appoint interim police chiefs in high-crime areas, aiming to resolve leadership vacancies and bolster local law enforcement capabilities.
With ongoing discussions regarding optimal crime reduction strategies, the situation in Alabama remains dynamic, prompting constituents and officials alike to seek effective solutions to address the pressing issue of public safety.
FAQ
What led to the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis?
The National Guard is being deployed to address rising crime rates in Memphis, part of a broader crime prevention strategy announced by President Trump.
Are any Alabama cities targeted for National Guard deployment?
Major Alabama cities like Birmingham and Montgomery are not currently targeted for National Guard deployment despite their crime concerns.
What initiatives is Alabama Governor Kay Ivey working on regarding crime?
Governor Kay Ivey has established the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS) to tackle the surge in violent crime in Montgomery.
How does Alabama’s crime rate compare to the national average?
Alabama has a homicide rate of 10.9 per 100,000 people, making it the fourth-highest in the United States, highlighting significant crime issues within the state.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Trump’s National Guard Deployment
- Wikipedia: National Guard (United States)
- Yellowhammer News: Crime Suppression Unit
- Google Search: Alabama crime statistics
- Black Belt News Network: Dothan Man Wanted
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- CBS 42: Alabama Police Department Takeover
- Google News: Montgomery Alabama crime rate
- WAKA: Montgomery Shooting Incident
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
