In brief
Twelve Democratic senators have voiced alarm over a Pentagon plan allowing military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges under the Justice Department. The initiative, approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is perceived as a breach of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits military involvement in law enforcement roles. The letter emphasizes potential negative impacts on military justice and asks for clarity on legal frameworks supporting this endeavor.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Some Democratic senators have expressed deep worries regarding a Pentagon initiative permitting military lawyers to operate as temporary immigration judges. This initiative, endorsed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is seen as a possible infringement of the Posse Comitatus Act, which forbids the use of military personnel for law enforcement duties. In a letter to military leadership, the senators articulated their fears about the detrimental effects this could have on military readiness and justice processes. They also inquired about the legal assessments conducted to ensure the proposed actions do not breach existing laws. There is a growing backlog of immigration cases, and the senators argue that diverting military lawyers could impede ongoing reforms in military justice initiated by Congress.
