At the beginning of November, the Memphis Safe Task Force reported that its officers had made 319 “administrative” arrests, or immigration-related, around 17% of the total at the time. A Daily Memphian reporter made the scene at one of those arrests last week, shortly after a woman who did not have legal immigration status was pulled over for having a suspended license plate. The woman was arrested, and a supporter said she was released the following day. But the increase in immigration enforcement since the Task Force began has left many in the Memphis community living in fear, local immigration advocates have said. Meanwhile, Latino Memphis CEO Mauricio Calvo talked to The Daily Memphian about what the federal law enforcement presence — specifically ICE — means for Memphis.

MSTF also last week highlighted its seizure of more than 400 illegal guns, touting the firearms’ confiscation as a sign of progress in lowering crime. But in a state where most adults can carry weapons without a permit, what exactly is an illegal gun in Tennessee? The Daily Memphian wrote about those factors, such as the circumstances surrounding the possession and the person who is possessing them. But it remains unclear what will happen to the hundreds of seized weapons in the long term.

Also, the former chief accounting officer for General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer is suing her, alleging that she fired him after he reported more than $5,000 in questionable spending; the University Schools district has launched a preschool program for long-term patients of Le Bonheur; between 140 and 180 more members of the Tennessee National Guard are being deployed to Memphis as part of the task force’s continued operations; and South City’s six-way intersection of Mississippi Boulevard, Georgia Avenue and Lauderdale Street has a new look that borrows the stained-glass looks of the two churches that stand on its east side.

— Metro editor, Jane Donahoe

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Mauricio Calvo, the president and CEO of Latino Memphis, says that the arrival of ICE hasn’t just hurt his community. It threatens to turn Memphis into a “ghost town.”

Task Force agents have made hundreds of immigration arrests in Memphis. Here's what happened at one. By Aarron Fleming

100+ more National Guard members coming to Memphis By Samuel Hardiman

Clerk Tami Sawyer sued by former employee By Jody Callahan

Police arrest 8 in gang sweep, echoing 2024 raid By Jody Callahan

Memphis Safe Task Force has seized more than 400 illegal guns. But, what is an illegal gun in Tennessee? By Samuel Hardiman

The six-way intersection that defines South City gets a new look By Bill Dries

National Guard deployment has already cost millions By Samuel Hardiman

Shelby County judges can handle task force case load, state's high court says By Aarron Fleming

State Rep. Pearson said he can work across the aisle without moderating his political views By Bill Dries

Overton Park's Old Forest fence formally falls: 'The Old Forest is whole again' By Bill Dries

Sheriff's Office demands apology for sexual assault lawsuit By Aarron Fleming

County moves money toward new Regional One By Bill Dries

Questions linger for Marsha Blackburn on phone records pay out By Bill Dries

The penny is gone, and most folks don't seem to care too much By Jody Callahan

U of M school district launches preschool program at Le Bonheur By Laura Testino

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