Conflict erupts at Memphis restaurant after owner asks National Guard to leave

https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/01/08/conflict-erupts-memphis-restaurant-after-owner-asks-national-guard-leave/

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Conflict between law enforcement and activists erupted outside an Orange Mound restaurant Sunday evening after a group of National Guard members was asked to leave the property.

The Memphis Police Department was at the scene Sunday night, along with dozens of Memphis Safe Task Force members, outside Da Sammich Spot on Park Avenue, which has a posted sign banning ICE agents.



Video shared by one of the activists protesting the National Guard’s presence showed National Guard troops standing by the sidewalk after being asked to leave the property before more reinforcements arrived, bringing dozens of National Guard and Memphis Safe Task Force members to the scene.



"He did not feel comfortable with them directly in front of his business. Their presence was very clear to people passing by, potential customers, so he just politely asked them to step away from his business,” Foster said. “The fact that they brought in dozens of additional federal agents and MPD stood idly by and even facilitated the federal agents’ presence on the premises just shows that this is not about safety.”

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