A small but dedicated group of observers is tracking the activities of former President Donald Trump's anti-crime taskforce in Memphis, alleging widespread intimidation and constitutional violations. The taskforce, deployed nine months ago, has been accused in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Tennessee of tailing cars, surveilling homes, and falsely arresting a community observer.
Allegations of Intimidation and Wrongful Actions
Hunter Demster, lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, described being terrified during his monitoring work. "I'm terrified when I go out in a lot of cases," he said. Activists claim the taskforce, which flooded Memphis with thousands of federal and state officers, has committed rampant First Amendment violations. Demster noted that 90% of operations he witnessed targeted the wrong house, with 30 to 50 federal agents in paramilitary gear arriving at homes, traumatizing innocent families. A taskforce spokesman declined to comment.
Profiles of the Observers
Hunter Demster: Food Director and Organizer
Demster, food justice director at First Congo church, runs a network of residents documenting taskforce activities. He receives up to 100 messages daily via Facebook Messenger. He also administers Vecindarios 901, which dispatches volunteers to support those affected by immigration detentions. A longtime activist, Demster was arrested during 2020 George Floyd protests; charges were later dropped. He said the harassment has taken a toll, causing him to constantly watch his back.
David Vaughn Mason: Teacher and Documentarian
Dave Mason, a theater teacher at Rhodes College, observes taskforce activity on a Vespa scooter with two cameras. Police regularly invoke Tennessee's 25-foot rule, calling him by name. Mason, who is autistic, said he maintains distance due to his condition. He stated, "I hope that I'm doing something important."
James Mitchell West: Retiree and Former Anesthesiologist
James West, a retired liver transplant anesthesiologist, began filming law enforcement after retiring in 2024. He said he wanted to "move my feet" rather than just send texts. West claims police demanded he stop recording and delete photos. U.S. Customs and Border Protection revoked his Global Entry status, citing a potential law enforcement investigation. He also had his picture taken by a Diplomatic Security Service agent.
Jordyn Gualdani: Film-maker with a Disability
Jordyn Gualdani, a documentarian with a genetic condition similar to multiple sclerosis, uses a wheelchair. He has been confronted by police, including an incident where an officer grabbed his shoulder while he was filming at a hearing. In Memphis, police have repeatedly pushed him back beyond the 25-foot buffer zone. He claimed taskforce vehicles "bumper rushed" his car twice to intimidate him.
Jessica Chodor: Project Manager
Jessica Chodor, a project and data manager, started as a legal observer in June 2025 after hearing about warrantless home entries and assaults on witnesses. She said police blocked her sightlines and fabricated reasons to stop her car. In October 2025, a state trooper tackled and arrested her; the charge of resisting detention was dropped in December. She has since reduced her observing to two hours per month due to safety concerns.
Christopher Kersey: Student and Backpacker
Christopher Kersey, a community college student, began recording the taskforce in October 2025. He witnessed a woman and her son being pulled over by a state trooper, followed by six unmarked cars. Kersey said Homeland Security agents photographed him during interactions, and a Blackhawk helicopter hovered over protests. He was threatened with jail by a trooper and HSI agent.
Impact and Broader Context
The ACLU lawsuit highlights alleged abuses by the taskforce, which Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said would last "for ever" to drive down crime. The observers, ranging from activists to retirees, face personal risks and legal challenges. Their efforts underscore ongoing tensions between federal law enforcement and community oversight in Memphis.
