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Memphis City Council defeats resolution urging governor to block National Guard deployment
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment and council debate, the Memphis City Council voted 4–4 with two abstentions to reject a resolution urging Gov. Bill Lee to refuse a proposed National Guard deployment to Memphis.
The Memphis City Council rejected a resolution that would have urged Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to refuse a proposed deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis. The council took the vote Sept. 23, 2025, after an extended public-comment period dominated by speakers opposing any federal or state troop presence in the city.
The resolution (item 34), sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas, was moved by Easter Thomas and seconded by Councilman Smiley. Legal counsel told the council the measure would be a formal request to the governor and would not itself be binding: “None. It’s a request to the governor,” legal counsel said when asked about legal effect.
Hundreds of minutes of public testimony preceded the vote. Speakers described a deployment as an occupation and urged investments in housing, schools and social services instead of a military-style response. Zoe Dondelinger told the council, “This is a declaration of war against the city of Memphis,” while Justin J. Pearson said the city needed “poverty eradication, not occupation.” Several faith and community leaders—including Christine Fox and Tequila Rucker—urged the council to oppose the deployment on civil‑rights and public‑safety grounds.
Council discussion emphasized representation and strategy. Councilman Smiley framed the question as one of whom council members represent, urging colleagues to “stand with the people.” Councilwoman White asked legal counsel whether the resolution would create any enforceable action; counsel said it would not, though constitutional concerns would depend on how troops were used.
The roll call showed Cooper Sutton — No; Easter Thomas — Yes; Ford — No; Green — Yes; Logan — No; Smiley — Yes; Swearingen Washington — Abstain; Walker — Yes; White — Abstain; Chairman Canali — No. With four yes votes, four no votes and two abstentions, the motion failed.
The council did not adopt any binding restriction on state or federal deployments; legal counsel noted that any constitutional or statutory challenge would depend on future actions by the governor or federal authorities. The council moved on to other agenda items after approving a list of same-night minutes for several committee items.
