A Tennessee court has denied a request by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris to block the deployment of the state’s National Guard into Memphis. Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal ruled that plaintiffs failed to prove an “immediate and irreparable injury” would occur before a full hearing, according to Action News 5. A temporary injunction hearing is set for November 3.

The lawsuit, filed on October 17 in Davidson County Chancery Court, argues Governor Lee’s deployment of troops violates state law and the Tennessee Constitution. The case centers on the governor’s authority to deploy National Guard forces under Title 32, a legal framework allowing state-level military operations. A spokesperson for the Tennessee Governor’s Office stated that the National Guard operates as the state’s army under Tennessee law and emphasized the governor’s constitutional right to authorize such missions.

President Trump had previously announced plans to send National Guard troops to Memphis, stating, “Memphis is deeply troubled,” and vowing to address the city’s issues “just like we did Washington.” Local leaders, including Mayor Harris, have criticized the deployment, citing concerns about militarization and racial profiling in the Hispanic community. Harris reiterated his opposition, stressing that Memphis needs resources, not military presence.

Memphis City Council member J.B. Smiley Jr. called the court’s decision “technical” and predicted a broader legal battle on November 3. The case remains under review as tensions over public safety and governance continue to unfold.