The Department of Housing and Urban Development has launched a new hotline designed to help residents of public housing report criminal activity directly to federal authorities. HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced the initiative in Memphis, emphasizing that the effort aims to strengthen safety in communities that depend on federally funded housing.
Turner explained that the hotline will allow residents to report gang activity, drug distribution, fraud, sex offenders, human trafficking, and individuals unlawfully residing in HUD properties. He remarked that “a safe community starts with safe housing,” adding that the department wants to ensure Americans living in public housing can do so “in peace and security.”
The hotline is part of broader cross-agency work directed by President Donald Trump through several executive orders focused on combating crime in major cities. Reports coming from Memphis and Washington, D.C., will be prioritized to support the Memphis Safe Task Force and the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, two federal operations that have produced thousands of arrests in recent months. Officials reported that the D.C. task force has apprehended more than 6,677 violent fugitives since August, while 3,151 arrests have been made in Memphis since October.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who attended the announcement, commented that the administration’s efforts have “saved lives” and reunited families in Memphis. U.S. Marshal Director Gadyaces Serralta observed that residents have expressed appreciation for the federal presence and said the hotline will help them participate directly in identifying threats.
Members of Tennessee’s congressional delegation also joined the event. Senator Marsha Blackburn asserted that federal housing programs should not provide shelter to dangerous individuals, while Senator Bill Hagerty noted the continued progress of Operation Memphis Safe.
Turner added that the hotline reflects HUD’s push to prioritize housing resources for American citizens. Residents can report information by calling 1-800-347-3735 or by submitting tips online at HUDOIG.gov/hotline.
