Trump’s Defense Department delivers decisive action against the immigration crisis by deploying 600 military lawyers as temporary judges to clear the massive backlog left by years of failed policies.
Story Highlights
- DOD authorizes up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges
- Move addresses 3.5 million case backlog and shortage caused by judge firings and resignations
- First group of 150 attorneys to be deployed immediately for renewable 179-day assignments
- Action potentially doubles current immigration judge capacity to expedite deportations
Emergency Response to Immigration Court Crisis
Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the unprecedented deployment through an August 27, 2025 DOD memo, marking the largest emergency staffing solution in immigration court history. The initiative addresses a staggering 3.5 million case backlog that accumulated under previous administrations’ failed policies. The first wave of 150 attorneys will be identified within a week, with assignments lasting up to 179 days and renewable as needed to maintain judicial capacity.
This decisive action demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to restoring order to America’s immigration system after years of administrative chaos and judicial paralysis.
Judicial Shortage Demands Immediate Action
The immigration judge shortage reached crisis levels following the firing or resignation of at least 17 judges, as reported by their union. These departures, often characterized as “without cause,” severely compromised the system’s ability to process cases efficiently. The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, representing immigration judges, documented widespread concerns about due process disruptions caused by the judicial vacuum.
Military lawyers bring disciplined training and legal expertise to address this emergency, though critics question their specialized immigration law experience. The deployment represents an innovative solution to government dysfunction that left millions of cases unresolved while communities suffered from unchecked illegal immigration.
Constitutional Authority and Practical Implementation
The DOD-DOJ collaboration operates under clear constitutional authority, with the White House emphasizing the urgent priority of resolving the backlog. Military attorneys possess extensive legal training and courtroom experience, making them qualified candidates for temporary judicial assignments. Their deployment follows established precedents of military assistance in civilian emergencies, though the scale exceeds previous interventions.
This strategic use of military resources demonstrates efficient government coordination while maintaining separation of powers. The temporary nature ensures civilian judicial independence remains intact while addressing immediate capacity needs that threaten national security and rule of law.
Sources:
Military lawyers immigration judges Hegseth – CT Mirror
Defense Dept 600 military attorneys temporary immigration judges – CBS News
