SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. - Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris declared a State of Emergency in the county due to the Memphis Safe Task Force. He cited a strain on local resources from the surge in federal law enforcement.

The declaration started Oct. 9. On Thursday, the declaration was extended for another seven days.

In the declaration, Harris points to pressures on the county's already overcrowded jails, adding that there's been a 200% increase in daily arrests since the task force arrived Sept. 29.

Harris said the declaration is about protecting public health, safety and welfare — and it will remain in place until task force operations end.

To read the State of Emergency declaration, click the PDF below: Download PDF

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