MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner announced a hotline for Americans to report crime tips and criminal activity in HUD-funded housing. The hotline will help to rid HUD-funded housing of gang and drug activity, illegal aliens, sex offenders, human traffickers, fraudulent activity, and other threatening individuals who seek to disturb and endanger American citizens in their homes. Reports of crime at HUD properties in Memphis and Washington D.C. will be prioritized, in alignment with HUD’s work on the Memphis Safe Task Force and the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. The hotline is part of the broader cross-agency efforts to facilitate coordination between HUD, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other partner agencies, as directed by President Trump’s Executive Orders.

Watch the press conference here.

“Americans from the elderly to single-parent families with young children turn to HUD for housing assistance. No American who calls HUD housing home should feel that crime is an inevitable part of their living conditions. With today’s hotline announcement, we are excited to welcome public input because there is no one who knows a community better than its residents. I thank Attorney General Bondi, Director Gady Serralta and the U.S. Marshals, Governor Lee, and Senators Blackburn and Hagerty for their commitment to make Memphis safe. We will continue to address crime and promote safety across our great nation because safer communities start with safer homes,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner.

“The Trump administration’s initiative to Make Memphis Safe Again has saved lives, reunited kids with their families, and shown that American citizens do not have to tolerate rampant crime in their cities. I’m grateful to my dear friend Secretary Turner, our congressional and local partners, and all law enforcement agents for the incredible work we’ve done for an iconic American city,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“Since the first day we began the Memphis Safe Task Force we have heard from the residents that they are thankful we are here and making Memphis safer for them,” said United States Marshal Director Gadyaces S. Serralta. “Now the residents themselves can help make their city safer by calling in tips and helping us in getting the people making Memphis unsafe off the streets. This is a win-win for everyone.”

“The federal government should not be providing housing to illegal aliens, sex offenders, human traffickers, and other violent criminals,” said U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). “HUD’s new hotline gives Americans with housing assistance a direct way to report crime and protect their homes, and I appreciate Secretary Turner prioritizing the safety of Memphians.”

“I was pleased to be in Memphis yesterday getting updates on the progress of Operation Memphis Safe combating crime in Shelby County. I want to express my gratitude to the local officials and law enforcement for their incredible work,” said U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN). “Together, we will make Memphis the safest city in America.”

HUDOIG.gov/hotline

The establishment of the crime hotline advances the work of the Memphis Safe Task Force, established by President Trump on September 15, 2025 to restore law and order in Memphis, Tennessee; the DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force, established by President Trump on March 28, 2025; and President Trump’s Executive Order, Additional Measure to Address the Crime Emergency in the District of Columbia. The hotline will aid law enforcement in identifying individuals who threaten the safety of HUD-funded housing tenants by engaging in criminal activity including drug distribution, violent criminal activity, and domestic violence.

Since August 2025, the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force has arrested more than 6,677 violent fugitives, including 16 for homicide, 1,056 for narcotics, 502 for weapons offenses, 29 for sex offenses, and 44 known gang members. Investigators also seized 634 illegally possessed firearms.

Since October 2025, the Memphis Safe Task Force arrested 3,151 violent fugitives, including 12 for homicide, 362 for narcotics, 260 for weapons offenses, 71 for sex offenses, and 327 known gang members. In addition, investigators seized 501 illegally possessed firearms.

The crime hotline will build on HUD’s work to ensure taxpayer resources are prioritized for American citizens. This year, Secretary Turner:

• Signed the “American Housing Programs for American Citizens” MOU with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to end the wasteful misappropriation of taxpayer dollars to benefit illegal aliens.
• Guaranteed that HUD-backed loans only go to American citizens through revised FHA residency requirements.
• Demanded citizenship status for all residents of HUD-funded housing.

To submit a tip to the crime hotline, individuals should call 1-800-347-3735. Reports may be submitted online at HUDOIG.gov/hotline.

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