President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration is exploring the use of U.S. military resources to bolster immigration enforcement, including the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants. Thomas Homan, Trump’s appointed “border czar,” revealed that military bases and planes might play a pivotal role in these operations.
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Homan described the military as a “force multiplier,” emphasizing its potential to assist with logistical and administrative tasks critical to executing Trump’s immigration policy.
“It’s something that’s certainly on the table,” Homan said, noting that the extent of military involvement would depend largely on congressional funding.
Under federal law, active-duty military personnel cannot directly participate in arresting or detaining illegal immigrants. However, military resources could support immigration enforcement agencies in several ways, including:
- Transportation: Using military aircraft to deport detainees to their home countries.
- Detention Facilities: Housing undocumented immigrants on military bases while awaiting deportation.
- Logistics and Intelligence: Providing infrastructure support and data analysis to streamline enforcement efforts.
- Administrative Tasks: Freeing up immigration agents to focus on arrests and investigations.
Homan highlighted the Obama administration’s use of military bases to temporarily house unaccompanied minors crossing the border and the Biden administration’s reliance on military installations to house Afghan refugees during the U.S. withdrawal. These precedents could pave the way for broader military involvement in Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Trump has pledged to declare a national emergency on immigration immediately upon taking office. This declaration would enable his administration to reallocate funds from the Pentagon and bypass potential congressional roadblocks to fund his ambitious enforcement agenda.
By leveraging emergency powers, Trump aims to expedite the deportation process and strengthen border security measures, fulfilling a cornerstone of his campaign promises.
The Trump administration is expected to request significant appropriations from Congress to implement its immigration policies. Homan stressed that the scope of military involvement depends heavily on the funding made available.
“We’re waiting to see what Congress is going to give us for funding,” Homan said.
The administration’s strategy could face stiff opposition from congressional Democrats and immigration advocates, who are likely to challenge the legality and morality of using military resources for domestic immigration enforcement.
The proposal to involve the military has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue that leveraging military resources for administrative and logistical tasks could enhance the efficiency of immigration enforcement efforts. They see it as a pragmatic solution to a longstanding issue.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the militarization of immigration policy, questioning whether using military assets for non-combat domestic operations is appropriate, especially in a politically charged area like immigration.
Civil rights advocates warn that the move could set a troubling precedent, blurring the lines between military and civilian roles. Others have pointed to the potential for legal challenges, arguing that the use of military resources in this context may violate established laws and norms.
Trump’s plans for mass deportations have been a key focus of his immigration agenda, sparking both support and backlash. The administration is poised to roll out a combination of stricter border security measures and expedited deportation efforts.
The use of military bases as detention centers and military planes for deportations could significantly accelerate the process. Homan underscored that such support would allow immigration enforcement agents to focus on their primary duties without being bogged down by logistical challenges.
The administration’s strategy is likely to face legal scrutiny and political opposition. Democrats and immigration advocates are expected to challenge the national emergency declaration and the proposed use of Pentagon funds in court.
Additionally, critics within Congress may attempt to block or restrict funding for these initiatives, arguing that the approach undermines civilian governance and risks overstepping constitutional boundaries.
As Trump prepares to take office, his administration’s immigration policies will remain under intense scrutiny. Homan has indicated that more details about the funding and operational framework for mass deportations will emerge in the coming weeks.
With Trump’s inauguration on the horizon, the administration’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration is clear. However, the scope and impact of these measures will depend on the legal and political battles ahead.
Whether the military’s involvement will streamline operations or deepen divisions remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the administration’s approach is set to ignite a fierce national debate over immigration policy and the role of the military in enforcing it.
I quote; “Critics, however, have raised concerns about the militarization of immigration policy, questioning whether using military assets for non-combat domestic operations is appropriate, especially in a politically charged area like immigration.”
Bull shit, this is a National Emergency and all of the Illegals “MUST” be removed “as quickly and efficiently” as possible because the totally out of control Biden administration and Demoncrap Party “caused all of this mess” and “did absolutely nothing to secure the border allowing into our nation tens of millions of UNKNOWNS!” Not even vetted from some 150 countries and some are known to be “ISIS and other Terrorists, Special Chinese CCP agents all of military age floating around the country,” and it was just learned that “the CCP has infiltrated our electrical grid and digital resources” so what the hell do people think is going on, and any idiot knows they are going to take advantage big time!
So there is no time to tarry now, it must be done immediately before this turns into “a massive nightmare that will rock our world as in possibly breakdown our energy, communications or commerce systems” which would be a devastating blow to our “National Security and the Nations internal stability!” These idiots in the “Demoncrap Moron Traitors Party with the Rino’s” all are talking crap with “Leftists. Commies and Liberals” and they are all “NUTS” to think this is all OK and not to worry so much!
We should ship all of them out with the damned Illegal Invaders!
TaaRump, use the National Security Declaration, that you did …NOT use in your first term!
As Commander In Chief, use the Military to assist Border Patrol and Ice to deport the illlegal alien invasion and stop the drug cartels and sex slavers.
What DaHell izz dis?
“Under federal law, active-duty military personnel cannot directly participate in arresting or detaining illegal immigrants.” ………..Wrong!
Duhh, it is an invasion. US Military can ‘Rock and Roll’ on BOTH sides of the border.
Exactly CharlieSeattle, but Biden was going to use the military to fire upon Americans.
Soooo I guess it’s OK to shoot Americans on American soil but not illegals.?
What’s wrong with this screwed up use of military.? Because The Communist Biden and Traitor Milley turned the military into a Woke POS.
TRUE! Time to start Military Operations and regain control with balance of our Nation before its too late!
The Demoncraps, Leftists and Deep State have totally screwed this country like it’s never been before!
Those that actively brought this on should be rounded up and executed!
Sounds like a good idea, but someone must thoroughly inspect every passenger for weapons and zip tie them to their seats, especially if they are a criminal, Islamic or Chinese.
Could ship them to GITMO via boat and then hang them!
If they happen to fall into shark infested waters on the way; oh well they put themselves in that predicament when they broke our Nations sovereignty and immigration laws!
Yes brother, Shark infested waters would be a nice way of saying, audios you law breaking SOB’S.!!
And the Communist Democrats and Rinos deserve the same as they are the ones who brought them into our country, Also say Good by you Communist law breakers.
Michael, like Scriptures say live by the sword die by the sword and you reap what you sow, so there you go you disrespectful derelict invaders!
If the Democrats can do it Why not the Republicans! Besides Trump is the Commander and Chief and his one Oath is to Protect America from a “border invasion” something Biden purposely allowed and purposely ignored his Oath causing many Americans to die and whole lot of drugs and child trafficking ! Time to clean this mess up! That’s what “We the People” voted for in 2024.
Stace this is true! Sworn Oath of Office is to uphold and protect the US Constitution and to protect the American People! He ignored all of that and did exactly the opposite which makes him eligible of hanging for Treason, but, this country doesn’t have the guts to actually do the “rule of law and serve justice” in such matters apparently, that is why these “criminal politicians” just keep doing the same crap over and over while raking in the big bucks!
There is a nice relocation spot, 100 miles north of Gitmo.
Sure and let them swim there in shark infested water!
The idea of taking the administration away to free up field agents is brilliant ! Maybe they can assign some Officers from the JAG as well, to act as temp Judges and assist in the processing of asylum cases to ease any backlog ! SO, place a few CBP officers at ports of entry, use Military to fill out al the paperwork, use the freed officers to patrol, and JAG to fill in Judge positions. That would work pretty well once the military people understand the process..