Tennessee Highway Patrol Releases Dashcam, Denies Running Into Memphis Protesters
A Memphis anti-ICE protest turned tense Sunday when the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s presence and vehicle movements in the crowd led to conflicting claims about whether troopers struck demonstrators, raising fresh questions about law enforcement tactics and protest safety.
Hundreds of marchers rallied along Summer Avenue in Memphis during an “ICE Out for Good” demonstration. Organizers say troopers drove vehicles rapidly into the rear of the crowd, hitting at least three people, forcing some to seek urgent care.
According to MLK50, the group was walking peacefully with families, dogs and signs when more than 20 THP vehicles approached and then maneuvered behind and alongside the participants. Protester volunteers attempted to block the vehicles as they neared the marchers.
Tennessee Highway Patrol, however, released dashcam footage showing a man stepping into the roadway as an officer was navigating through traffic and protesters, then stepping aside before the cruisers passed. THP called social media accusations that troopers hit a protester “false” and emphasized that protest rights do not include entering active roadways.
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“We respect and protect the right of people to protest peacefully,” a THP statement said, “but that right does not include placing themselves in danger.”
Protest organizers, including the vice president of the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action, counter that released clips do not show the full situation and have called for more footage to be shared.
The dispute highlights contrasting perspectives on crowd control and civil liberties, with protesters insisting law enforcement escalated the situation and THP maintaining public safety standards. Further video evidence and official statements are expected in the coming days as both sides seek to shape the narrative.
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