National Guard in Alabama? Trump Expands National Crime Initiative; Alabama Cities Under Review

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite Armed National Guard soldiers from West Virginia patrol the Mall near the Capitol in Washington

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Top News

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Montgomery, Ala. – Following the deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., to address rising violent crime, President Donald Trump announced Monday the creation of a “Memphis Safe Task Force”, part of a broader federal initiative targeting crime in major U.S. cities. The move has Memphis preparing for the Guard’s arrival as the White House intensifies its national crackdown.

Trump also indicated that Chicago will be next, pledging a similar task force despite strong opposition from Democratic leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

The administration is now evaluating where additional efforts may be required nationwide. While no decision has been finalized for Alabama, the possibility has prompted early discussions with state leaders about cities such as Birmingham and Montgomery.

Gov. Kay Ivey said Alabama stands ready to assist if federal or state troops are requested.

“We’re certainly in touch with the White House about that,” Ivey told The Weekly Ledger News. “We stand ready to send out the Alabama National Guard, whether they’re needed, but right now, we’re on standby. We’ll be ready.”

The governor added that the state has already strengthened its crime-fighting efforts through the MACS Unit, a multi-agency team providing additional security in Birmingham and Montgomery.

“We’re prepared and not going to tolerate any misbehavior,” Ivey said.

The White House has not provided a timeline for potential deployments in Alabama cities.