Recent immigration enforcement activity in Shelby County has understandably caused concern, particularly in our Latino and immigrant communities. I want to acknowledge that concern, provide some clarity about the law, and explain why this matters to public safety.
U.S. citizens are not required to carry or present identification simply upon request and cannot be arrested or detained solely on suspicion of unlawful immigration status. Noncitizens, however, can be required to carry and present immigration documentation and can face detention for being unlawfully present in the country.
There is also an important distinction between unlawful entry and unlawful presence. Crossing the border illegally can be a misdemeanor. Overstaying a visa—which accounts for most undocumented immigrants—is generally a civil immigration violation rather than a criminal offense. And when federal law enforcement has a valid warrant authorizing a search or arrest, it can execute that warrant.
But not everything law enforcement is legally permitted to do is necessarily a good idea.
When someone commits a serious or violent crime, we want that person held accountable, regardless of immigration status. But broad immigration enforcement comes with real costs. It can separate families and burden otherwise law-abiding, taxpaying people who have committed no “crime” in the way we normally think of that term. Recent ICE operations have also created significant fear in Latino and immigrant communities.
For prosecutors, that fear has real public-safety consequences. We need people to report crimes, provide tips, serve as witnesses and participate in the justice system. When people fear that contact with law enforcement could put themselves or their families at risk, crimes become harder to investigate and cases become harder to prosecute.
That matters as Shelby County continues a 10-quarter decline in crime, including eight quarters before the federal task force arrived. Continuing that trend requires trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities we serve.
Public safety and responsible enforcement are not competing goals. We can hold people accountable when they commit crimes while also recognizing when enforcement practices may make that work more difficult.
Jury Finds Defendant Guilty on Four Counts in 2023 Shooting: Assistant District Attorneys Haden Lawyer and Victoria Gillard successfully prosecuted the case against Marlon C. Lipsey, who a Shelby County jury found guilty of Reckless Endangerment, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.
The case stems from a May 25, 2023 shooting at a Safeway Food Mart on Horn Lake Road. Security footage showed Lipsey shoot Julian Steen as he entered the business.
A witness later positively identified Lipsey as the shooter in a six-photo lineup.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 5, 2026.
ADAs Haden Lawyer & Victoria Gillard handled the case.
Defendant Pleads Guilty in 2024 Exxon Station Shooting, Receives 15-Year Sentence: Assistant District Attorney Jack Gould handled the case against Amos Flemming, who pleaded guilty as charged to Criminal Attempt: First-Degree Murder and received a 15-year sentence at 30%.
The case stems from a May 8, 2024 shooting at an Exxon station on Third Street. Flemming argued with the victim, retrieved a firearm, and fired approximately three shots toward him. The bullets struck the store’s bullet-resistant counter enclosure, and the victim escaped to a back room and called police.
Investigators identified Flemming as a suspect, and the victim later identified him in a six-person photo lineup.
ADA Jack Gould handled the case.
Defendant Held to Grand Jury Following First-Degree Murder Hearing: Assistant District Attorney Jackson Phillips successfully handled the First-Degree Murder preliminary hearing against Jetarius Young on August 28, 2026. The court held Young to state on charges of First-Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, meaning the judge found probable cause and sent the case to the Grand Jury.
The case stems from a June 2026 shooting where Memphis Police officers found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim later died at a hospital.
Homicide investigators identified Young as the suspect, and police arrested him on July 31, 2026. The State may also seek an indictment for First-Degree Murder in the Perpetration of Robbery.
Young remains in custody with no bond set. His co-defendant, Michael Wallace, previously had his case held to state.
ADA Jackson Phillips handled the hearing.
DA Mulroy Celebrates 901 Day with Idlewild Elementary Students
 On Tuesday, DA Mulroy joined students at Idlewild Elementary School to celebrate 901 Day by reading to the children and encouraging a love of reading.
Thank you to Idlewild Elementary for the invitation and for helping make reading an important part of the 901 Day celebration!
Memphis Bar Association Hosts CLE on Public Records Act
 (Pictured L-R): Public Records and Request Coordinator Timothy Beacham, First Deputy DA Chris Lareau, and Law student Tyler Foster.
The Memphis Bar Association’s Criminal Law Section recently hosted an informative CLE on the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) for attorneys, journalists, and community members. Shelby County DA Offices' Public Records Counsel and Request Coordinator Timothy Beacham and First Deputy DA and Criminal Law Section Chair Chris Lareau joined Tyler Foster, a law student and criminal legal reform advocate, to provide a practical overview of the TPRA and its role in promoting government accountability, oversight, and transparency.
“This bulk amount, traveling cross-country, means organized crime on a big scale,” said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “ I’m glad our DTF agents were able to intercept it.” |Nearly 21,000 ecstasy pills from TX seized in Memphis| via WMC5
Police had originally arrested and charged Aljon Tyler in the shooting, but District Attorney Steve Mulroy's Office later identified Matthews as the suspect, and cleared Tyler. |New suspect arrested in OUTMemphis shooting, MPD says| via FOX13
Last month, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and District Attorney General Steve Mulroy announced the purchase of four new rapid DNA machines, giving local law enforcement the ability to turn DNA test results around in 90 minutes. |The AM/DM podcast: Why the county wanted four rapid DNA testing machines| via The Daily Memphian
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