Operation Legend

Operation Legend (or Operation LeGend) is a federal law enforcement operation in the U.S. initiated by the administration of President Donald Trump.[2] The operation was named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 29, 2020.[3][4] According to the White House, Operation Legend was implemented after President Trump began deploying federal law enforcement agents to crack down on violent crime in the wake of the George Floyd protests.[4] For Operation Legend, agents from various federal agencies were deployed to aid city and county law enforcement officers.[5][6]

Operation Legend
FBI info sheet about the killing of LeGend Taliferro
DateJuly 8, 2020 (2020-07-08) – present
LocationUnited States
Type2020 deployment of federal forces in the United States
ParticipantsUnited States Department of Justice United States Department of Homeland Security
Arrests1[1]
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Background
Main article: 2020 deployment of federal forces in the United States
See also: George Floyd protests and Death of George Floyd

In the early morning hours of June 29, 2020, four-year-old LeGend Taliferro was killed while he was sleeping after his apartment was shot by gunfire.[7] The death of Taliferro occurred during a time of increased violence in Kansas City and Missouri as a whole, with at least five children being killed in Kansas City in the first six months of 2020.[8]

On July 3, 2020, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas sent a letter to the Governor Mike Parson stating that the city was "at a crisis point" regarding crime.[3] Mayor Lucas called on Governor Parson to create a special legislative session in the Missouri General Assembly so Missouri could address the crime issue facing the city.[3]

Operation

Kansas City

Five days after Mayor Lucas's letter was sent, the United States Department of Justice announced the Operation Legend initiative on July 8, 2020, to bring federal law enforcement agents to Kansas City to assist local authorities with combatting crime.[3] During a press conference, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany cited crime statistics in Kansas City, including a forty percent increase of homicides, stating that agents from the United States Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives would be deployed to the city within the next ten days.[3][9]

Expansion
President Donald Trump announcing the expansion of Operation Legend on July 22, 2020

On July 22, 2020, President Trump announced plans to expand Operation Legend to Albuquerque, Chicago, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.[10][11][12]

Politico relayed that the mayors of Baltimore, Chicago, and Philadelphia had not been contacted by the DHS, who "struggled to lower the temperature of protests" in Oregon where multiple officials said the influx of federal officers had heightened tensions.[12] According to Reuters, a Department of Justice official said the operation was not related to the deployment of federal agents to ongoing protests in Portland, Oregon.[4] Acting DHS Secretary Wolf, reported the Associated Press, "drew a distinction between the mission in Portland—to protect federal property—and the surges in Kansas City, Chicago and Albuquerque to help stop violence."[13]

Later the same day, the White House released an event summary stating that the program would expand to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee, over the next three weeks.[14][15][16] On August 6th, 2020, it was announced that Operation Legend would also deploy to St. Louis, Missouri,[17][18] and Memphis, Tennessee.[19][20] On August 14, 2020, the program was again expanded to include Indianapolis, Indiana.[21]

Effects

Arrests

On August 13, 2020, Ryson Ellis, a 22 year old from Kansas City, was arrested and charged with the murder of LeGend Taliferro.

On July 22, 2020, Attorney General William Barr announced that more than 200 individuals were arrested during the initial operation in Kansas City, stating "Just to give you an idea of what's possible, the FBI went in very strong into Kansas City and within two weeks we've had 200 arrests".[1] Local authorities could not confirm the number announced by Barr, with The Kansas City Star later stating that "A Department of Justice official said the 200 arrests cited by Barr Wednesday included some dating back to December 2019, and included both state and FBI arrests in joint operations."[1] At the time of Barr's announcement, federal agents related to Operation Legend had made only one publicly known arrest, according to NPR.[22]

Reactions

In Kansas City, protests occurred against the operation on July 17, 2020, with organizers calling for fifty percent of funds for the Kansas City Police Department being diverted to housing, health and education initiatives in the city.[23] The mother of LeGend Taliferro, Charron Powell, responded to protesters stating "Operation LeGend is to investigate murders that have been unsolved and one of those is for my 4-year-old son that did not make it to 5, ... and if you're against that, maybe you have to reevaluate your stance and your mentality to see what direction you're headed in".[24]

New Mexico Governor Luhan Grisham stated “If the Trump administration wishes to antagonize New Mexicans and Americans with authoritarian, unnecessary and unaccountable military-style ‘crackdowns,’ they have no business whatsoever in New Mexico.”[4]

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the assistance would be welcome provided that it was a genuinely collaborative partnership,[25] but clarified in a statement in reference to tactics used by federal personnel in Portland that “We don’t need federal troops, we don’t need unnamed, secret federal agents.”[4]

David Lapan, DHS spokesperson for the early Trump administration, expressed concern that the deployments could harm the department’s reputation, expressing that “It’s overly militaristic, it’s being seen in partisan political terms, and it’s usurping the authorities of the local law enforcement and elected officials”.[12]

Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson said on July 23, 2020, that he would have a press conference the next day regarding the federal personnel being sent to Cleveland.[26] Ohio Governor Mike DeWine likened the operation to the usual crime-fighting partnerships between local law enforcement and the federal government, saying such relationships are “healthy.” “The idea of agents, people coming in where there’s not the consent of people locally — that would be a problem in Ohio. I don’t think that’s going to happen. We have no indication that’s going to happen,” DeWine said.[26] At his press conference July 24, Jackson said, "‘This is not Portland'" and repeatedly saying the goal was to do nothing more than address violent crime.[27] Still, Jackson expressed dismay that he only learned about the new Justice Department initiatives when reporters started calling the city about it, saying "that’s not how partnerships should work."[27]

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he supports the deployment of federal agents, as long as they are not dealing with what he characterized as largely peaceful protests. “We have great partnerships with the U.S. Attorney, the ATF and the DEA,” Duggan said during a press briefing Wednesday, July 23.[28] “I’ve never seen as many illegal guns on the street that we have today. If they want to have more ATF officers dealing with the illegal trafficking of guns, that would be a welcome contribution.”[28] United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Matthew Schneider states that Operation Legend is merely an extension of previously-announced local-federal partnerships meant to tackle violent crime.[29] "It has nothing to do with operations that have deployed federal agents to cities like Portland, Oregon, to quell ongoing protests", said Schneider.[29]

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and the Milwaukee Police Department are among those criticizing a White House plan to send federal agents to the city within the next three weeks. Attorney General Josh Kaul and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, who are concerned after federal agents used violent force against protesters in Portland, Oregon.[30] "I maintain that this is a very ridiculous decision and this is a president that is trying to save himself," Barnes said during a call with WPR Friday, July 24. "The last thing we need is more militarized presence at a time like this, and on top of all of that, I just don't trust the president. If (Portland) was the pilot program, we're all in trouble. The mayor of Portland, the governor of Oregon and two state senators have all called for the removal of these federal officers."[30] Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Thursday said he sent a letter to the president to indicate “this type of unilateral intervention has not been requested by either the City of Milwaukee or the State and is not welcome in Wisconsin.“[31] “I oppose that, and I sent the president a letter expressing my concern about sending agents to Milwaukee, or Madison, or anyplace in the state,” said Evers. “I have full faith and trust not only in the people in Wisconsin, but also the folks that serve in our police departments. Amping up the federal presence will, I believe, create more turmoil.”[31]

References
  1. "'We have no choice.' Trump expands Operation Legend, surging feds in American cities". The Kansas City Star. Kansas City, Missouri: McClatchy. July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  2. Roberts, John (July 22, 2020). "Trump to expand DOJ's 'Operation Legend' to Chicago, Albuquerque amid unrest". Fox News. New York City: Fox Corporation. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  3. Smith, Bill. "White House announces 'Operation: Legend' effort in Kansas City". KCTV. Kansas City, Missouri: Meredith Corporation. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  4. Mason, Jeff; Lynch, Sarah N. (July 22, 2020). "Trump says sending federal agents to more U.S. cities to fight violent crime". Reuters. London: Thomson Reuters. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  5. Office of the Press Secretary. "Press Briefing by Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany". whitehouse.gov. Washington, D.C.: White House. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  6. Sweet, Lynn (July 22, 2020). "Trump to send more than 200 federal agents to Chicago as part of 'Operation Legend' to help local cops, not patrol Portland-style". Chicago Sun-Times. Chicago: Sun-Times Investment Holdings. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  7. 41 Action News Staff (June 29, 2020). "4-year-old boy shot to death as he slept in KCMO apartment". KSHB-TV. Kansas City, Missouri: E. W. Scripps Company. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  8. Horsley, Lynn; Taborda, Noah (July 1, 2020). "'No Bravery In Protecting Someone Who Kills Kids' — Kansas City, Missouri, Officials Plead For Tips In 4-Year-Old's Shooting Death". KCUR-FM. Kansas City, Missouri: E. W. Scripps Company. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  9. Pratt, Gregory; Gorner, Jeremy (July 20, 2020). "Trump expected to send new federal force to Chicago this week to battle violence, but plan's full scope is a question mark". Chicago Tribune. Chicago: Tribune Publishing. Archived from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  10. "'Operation Legend' coming to ABQ, FBI announces award in slain woman's death". KOAT-TV. Albuquerque, New Mexico: Hearst Television. July 22, 2020. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  11. "Pres. Trump announces plans to expand Operation Legend to Albuquerque". KOB. Albuquerque, New Mexico: Hubbard Broadcasting. July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  12. Swan, Betsy Woodruff; Bertrand, Natasha; Lippman, Daniel (July 21, 2020). "Trump administration weighs a show of force in more cities". Politico. Arlington County, Virginia: Capitol News Company. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  13. Long, Colleen; Colvin, Jill (July 22, 2020). "Trump deploys more federal agents under 'law-and-order' push". Associated Press. New York City: Associated Press, LLC. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  14. Steer, Jen (July 23, 2020). "White House to send federal agents to Cleveland to combat violence". WJW. Cleveland: Nexstar Media Group. Archived from the original on July 24, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  15. "Justice Department sending federal agents to Cleveland as part of Operation Legend". WEWS. Cleveland: E. W. Scripps Company. July 23, 2020. Archived from the original on July 24, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  16. Ferretti, Christine (July 23, 2020). "White House: Federal officers coming to Detroit to battle violent crime". The Detroit News. Detroit: Digital First Media. Archived from the original on July 24, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  17. Staff, KMOV com. "50 federal agents coming to St. Louis to combat violent crime". KMOV.com. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  18. Ballentine, Summer; Salter, Jim (August 6, 2020). "Federal anti-crime program to send 50 agents to St. Louis". Associated Press. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  19. "Justice Department to send agents to St. Louis and Memphis to fight crime". Reuters. August 6, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  20. Gurman, Sadie= (August 6, 2020). "Justice Department Sends Federal Agents to St. Louis and Memphis". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  21. Barr, William P. "Attorney General". United States Department of Justice. United States Government. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  22. Morris, Frank (July 27, 2020). "Surge Of Federal Agents In Kansas City Sparks Controversy, Leaves Divide In Community". NPR. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  23. Palmer, Tod (July 18, 2020). "KCPD officer memorial vandalized by anti-law enforcement demonstrators". KSHB-TV. Kansas City, Missouri: E. W. Scripps Company. Archived from the original on July 18, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  24. Nelson, McKenzie (July 19, 2020). "LeGend Taliferro's mother speaks out after groups protest initiative in 4-year-old's name". KSHB-TV. Kansas City, Missouri: E. W. Scripps Company. Archived from the original on July 19, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  25. Pratt, Gregory; Gorner, Jeremy; Munks, Jamie (July 21, 2020). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot says Chicago expects influx of federal agents to help city fight violence, 'but we do not welcome dictatorship'". Chicago Tribune. Chicago: Tribune Publishing. Archived from the original on July 24, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  26. Astolfi, Courtney (July 23, 2020). "Mayor Jackson to address Trump sending federal agents into Cleveland during Friday press conference". Clevelabd.com. Cleveland: Advance Publications. Archived from the original on July 24, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  27. Heisig, Eric (July 24, 2020). "Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, police chief seek to calm unease about surge of federal agents: 'This is not Portland'". Clevelabd.com. Cleveland: Advance Publications. Archived from the original on July 26, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  28. Neavling, Steve (July 23, 2020). "President Trump to deploy federal agents in Detroit as part of 'Operation Legend'". The Detroit News. Detroit. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  29. Cwiek, Sarah (July 25, 2020). "Federal agents destined for Detroit as "Operation Legend" targets violent crime". Michigan Radio. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  30. Hess, Corrinne (July 24, 2020). "Milwaukee Police, Mayor Are Among Those Denouncing Plan To Send Federal Agents To City". Wisconsin Public Radio. Madison, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Educational Communications Board & University of Wisconsin–Extension. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  31. Fox 6 News Staff; Associated Press (July 23, 2020). "Gov. Evers responds to Pres. Trump's plan to deploy federal officers in Milwaukee: 'Not welcome'". WITI. Milwaukee: Fox Television Stations, LLC. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
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