Pentagon to send 600 military lawyers as temporary immigration judges
By DL News
Published
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The document, dated 27 August, directs the military to begin sending groups of about 150 attorneys—both uniformed and civilian—“as soon as practicable,” with the first batch expected to be identified within a week
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized the deployment of up to 600 military lawyers to the Department of Justice to temporarily serve as immigration judges, according to an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press.
The document, dated 27 August, directs the military to begin sending groups of about 150 attorneys—both uniformed and civilian—“as soon as practicable,” with the first batch expected to be identified within a week.
The move comes amid the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on immigration, which has driven up arrests and deportations while leaving immigration courts struggling under a backlog of nearly 3.5 million cases.
Union officials say the pressure has been compounded by the removal or forced resignation of at least 17 immigration judges in recent months, shrinking the bench to roughly 600 nationwide. With the Pentagon’s contribution, the number of judges would effectively double.
The memo states the temporary assignments will last no more than 179 days, though extensions are possible. While the Justice Department declined to comment directly, Pentagon officials referred inquiries to the White House.
A White House spokesperson said the administration is weighing multiple measures to address the overloaded immigration system, including recruiting new judges. “This must be a priority for everyone—especially those awaiting decisions,” the spokesperson said.
