Leaders from the NAACP Memphis Branch and a coalition of community organizations convened Friday, Oct. 3, at the NAACP headquarters to denounce the deployment of the National Guard, U.S. Marshals Service and other state and federal agencies in Memphis. Speakers described the presence as an “occupation” that threatens civil liberties and community trust.
Kermit Moore, NAACP Memphis Branch president, opened the news conference with sharp criticism of the federal crime fighting actions.
“The federal occupation of Memphis is unnecessary, unwarranted and it must end. Our city is not a military training ground,” Moore said. “Over the past two years, crime in Memphis has dropped by double digits. So we have to ask, why here? Why now?”
Moore argued that the millions spent on federal deployment would be better invested in education, housing and workforce development.
“This is how you build safe and strong communities. Instead, we are being used as pawns in a political game,” he said. “We demand investment, not occupation. We demand progress, not politics.”
Gail Jones Carson, president of the Memphis Urban League and second vice president of the NAACP Memphis Branch, emphasized the need to protect citizens while acknowledging the heightened risks of potential unrest.
“We don’t want our city up in flames. We don’t want people fighting, but we also must take responsibility for our actions,” Carson said. “You can be right, but you can also end up in jail or worse. That’s why we are providing resources on how to handle encounters with law enforcement.”
She pointed to the Urban League’s website, memul.org, which offers guidance for city residents on their rights when interacting with law enforcers; safety protocols; and what to do if arrested.
Deidre Malone, president of the National Women’s Political Caucus and first vice president of the NAACP Memphis Branch, announced the launch of a new initiative called Defending Democracy Together on the NAACP Memphis website. The page includes fact sheets, a legal hotline monitored by Attorney Van Turner and registration for a virtual town hall with Mayor Paul Young and Police Chief C.J. Davis scheduled for Oct. 8. at 3:15 p.m.
“We built this coalition because we know it’s going to take all of us to make sure that black, brown and immigrant communities are educated and not afraid in their own neighborhoods,” Malone said.
Other speakers, including NAACP Executive Director Vickie Terry, raised concerns about reports of aggressive tactics by U.S. Marshals in neighborhoods like Frayser, Whitehaven and Hickory Hill.
“It’s not the National Guard we should fear, it’s the U.S. Marshals and other federal agents who are terrorizing our communities,” Terry said.
The news conference also focused on practical safety steps, from keeping identification documents accessible to exercising caution during police encounters.
“As far as identification of records, everyone needs to renew their driver’s license, tags and insurance,” said Jones-Carson. “Get a passport with the probate court clerk, Eddie Jones, 140 Adams. Keep birth certificates and social security cards in a safe place. Check for any outstanding warrants. If you’ve got an outstanding warrant, you need to clear it up.”
Ian Randolph, representing the Shelby County Voter Alliance, warned that the deployment could have long-term consequences, including intimidation at the polls.
“In the back of my mind, I’m thinking about what’s going to happen in 2026 when elections start. Are there going to be troops outside the polls under the guise of protecting us?” Randolph asked. “Don’t be scared to vote if you see troops. Start preparing mentally now.”
The coalition vowed to continue mobilizing, educating residents and pressing leaders to redirect resources toward long-term community investment rather than militarization.
