Judge Halts National Guard Deployment to Memphis, Keeps Appeal Option Open

The judge stated that Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee lacked authority to send troops to Memphis.

Members of the National Guard stand watch at the intersection of B.B. King Blvd. and Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn. on Oct. 24, 2025. George Walker IV/AP Photo

A Tennessee judge ruled Nov. 17 that the state’s deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis is unlawful and issued a temporary block, but gave the state a five-day window to appeal before it takes effect.

Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal of the Davidson County Chancery Court issued a temporary injunction following a lawsuit filed by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and state lawmakers, alleging that the National Guard deployment to Memphis is illegal under Tennessee law.