United States Senator Bill Hagerty addressed FBI Director Kash Patel and United States Marshals Service Director Gadyaces S. Serralta on May 13, thanking them for their ongoing work with the Memphis Safe Task Force and the establishment of a permanent office in Memphis.
The discussion took place during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing focused on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies. The topic is important as Memphis has faced challenges with violent crime, despite its cultural history and role as a hub for logistics and technology industries.
“Memphis boasts a rich cultural history, wonderful people and community leaders that are dedicated to their city. It’s a hub for major logistics and medical device manufacturing,” Hagerty said. “It’s also home to advanced technologies like xAI, but it’s been troubled by serious violent crime.”
Serralta reported that as of April 2026, the task force’s operations have resulted in 8,701 arrests by federal officers and the seizure of 1,426 illegal firearms. Patel said that collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies has contributed significantly to improving safety in Memphis. “Thanks to you and the leadership in Tennessee, we opened our new office in Memphis to permanently assure the citizens of Tennessee that we’re not going anywhere,” Patel said.
Hagerty praised these achievements: “a true example of where cooperation can make a difference here in America. And you have transformed a city for us.”
Hagerty was elected as U.S. Senator from Tennessee; he serves on several Senate committees including Appropriations; he maintains offices across multiple locations including Washington D.C., Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Jackson, Tri-Cities area—and volunteers with civic organizations—according to the official website.
