The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has launched a new hotline for reporting crime in HUD-funded housing, Secretary Scott Turner announced in Memphis. The initiative is intended to address criminal activity such as gang and drug offenses, the presence of illegal aliens, sex offenders, human traffickers, and other threats within public housing.
The hotline will give priority to reports from Memphis and Washington D.C., supporting ongoing efforts by the Memphis Safe Task Force and the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. These task forces are part of broader federal initiatives aimed at improving safety in public housing, with coordination between HUD, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other agencies under President Trump’s Executive Orders.
“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.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated: “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.”
United States Marshal Director Gadyaces S. Serralta added: “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. 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.”
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) commented: “The federal government should not be providing housing to illegal aliens, sex offenders, human traffickers, and other violent criminals. 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.”
U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) said: “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. Together, we will make Memphis the safest city in America.”
The hotline supports ongoing efforts like those led by President Trump through executive orders focused on restoring order in cities such as Memphis—where since October 2025 over 3,100 violent fugitives have been arrested—and Washington D.C., where since August 2025 more than 6,600 violent fugitives have been apprehended.
Recent policy actions by Secretary Turner include signing a memorandum of understanding with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem designed to ensure that taxpayer funds benefit American citizens rather than undocumented immigrants; updating FHA residency requirements so only citizens qualify for HUD-backed loans; and requiring citizenship status verification for all residents in HUD-funded properties.
Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-347-3735 or online at https://www.hudoig.gov/hotline.
