The United States has announced the creation of a new Homeland Security Task Force in Nashville, Tennessee, to address growing concerns related to drug trafficking, violent crime, weapons violations, and transnational criminal activity in Middle Tennessee. The move underscores federal and local authorities’ commitment to protecting communities and dismantling organized crime networks operating across state and national borders.
What We Know About the New Task Force
The initiative, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in collaboration with several federal and local agencies, aims to strengthen law enforcement operations across Middle Tennessee. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Robert McGuire, along with senior agency leaders, will officially introduce the task force at a press conference on Thursday.
The new task force will specifically focus on high-priority issues such as:
- Drug trafficking and distribution networks
- Violent crime and homicide
- Human and foreign smuggling
- Weapons violations and arms trafficking
- Money laundering and extortion
- Kidnapping and other organized criminal activities
Recent Successes That Led to the Initiative
The announcement follows several high-impact investigations in the region, including the dismantling of a Nashville-based MS-13 gang cell in September 2025. After a nine-month probe by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), authorities arrested 17 individuals across Tennessee, California, and Oklahoma.
Officials say this success demonstrated the value of coordinated interagency operations—and laid the groundwork for the new Homeland Security Task Force.
Agencies Involved in the Task Force
The task force will function as a multi-agency collaboration combining the expertise and resources of both federal and local law enforcement bodies. Participating agencies include:
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID)
- Nashville Metropolitan Police Department (MNPD)
- Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
These agencies will share intelligence, coordinate operations, and jointly target criminal enterprises that threaten regional and national security.
ICE Call Center and Broader Federal Commitment
The announcement comes shortly after the opening of a new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) call center in Nashville. Together, the ICE facility and the Homeland Security Task Force reflect a broader effort to increase federal enforcement capabilities in Tennessee.
Authorities say the task force will work closely with the ICE call center to track, investigate, and prosecute criminal activity with international ties.
A National Effort to Fight Transnational Crime
The Nashville task force is part of a nationwide expansion of Homeland Security initiatives aimed at disrupting cross-border criminal operations. Similar task forces have been launched in Texas, Alaska, and other high-priority regions, each designed to reduce violence and weaken transnational criminal networks across the U.S.
Federal officials emphasize that the establishment of this task force marks a major step forward in protecting American communities from the growing threat of international crime.
Conclusion
The launch of the Homeland Security Task Force in Nashville represents a unified approach to fighting crime and ensuring community safety. By combining local, federal, and international cooperation, authorities hope to create a lasting impact on public safety and reduce the influence of criminal organizations in Middle Tennessee and beyond.