TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on May 13, 2026

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a First Amendment lawsuit, alleging a “startling pattern” of retaliation and harassment by Memphis Safe Task Force agents against residents in Memphis, the Tennessean reports. The lawsuit focuses on four Memphis residents who allege they were followed, threatened, harassed, “falsely” arrested and rushed with vehicles by task force agents after attempting to photograph or film agents’ activities. The suit also challenges Tennessee’s so-called “Halo” law, which restricts approaching law enforcement officers within 25 feet after being ordered to retreat. The suit argues the law is vague and has been used to suppress constitutionally protected activity. Defendants include federal and state officials connected to the task force. The suit seeks to halt the alleged retaliation and block enforcement of the Halo law. The task force has been operating in Memphis since 2025.