TRUMP'S NEW PLAN COULD HAVE NATIONAL GUARD SERVING AS IMMIGRATION JUDGES
On Tuesday, President Trump said that he would approve Florida's plan to expedite deportations by having National Guard members work as immigration judges. Trump made this announcement during his visit to an immigration detention center in South Florida called, “Alligator Alcatraz.”
DeSantis Gets Trump's Approval
For months, Gov. DeSantis has been seeking approval of the federal government to deputize Florida National Guard officers to act as immigration judges.
When asked about this decision Trump explained, "He didn't even have to ask me. He has my approval."
When asked about the goal of National Guardsmen working at deportation sites, DeSantis explained that they could help "fast-track" deportations. DeSantis explained that the goal was to cut through "bureaucracy."
Due to the detention center being built on an old airstrip, it could mean that deportations would be faster, as the federal government would be allowed to fly migrants out of the site directly.
During the conference, a DHS official added that a notice to proceed and for construction to begin would be right after July 4th.
"We have another big runway there too," said Attorney General James Uthmeier.
In response, Trump stated, "That's great - wow, I love these big runways." "It's very convieneten, I must say. Having a runway is a nice thing. Today you do not get runways approved, I will tell you. Although in the age of Trump, you get them approved fast."
9 Judge Advocate Generals Could Be Trained As Immigration Officers
According to Florida's Immigration Enforcement Operations Plan, submitted in May, Florida has nine Judge Advocate General officers in the National Guard that could be trained as immigration officers. They can be trained in as short as six weeks, with Justice Department approval.
"The Florida National Guard has offered JAGS to be trained as immigration judges to expedite the legal process at the request of the federal government," said the released plans.
Trump as expressed approval for the plan stating, "One January 20, I signed an executive order empowering governors and state police to be deputized to enforce federal immigration laws, and Ron's already taken advantage of it." Later he added, "Yes he has my approval. That wasn't too hard to get, was it?...He didn't even have to ask me."
Public Opinion About the Plan Is Divided
Overall, Trump's supporters tend to see the plan as much needed, and long overdue. However, the broader American public is more skeptical. A Washington Post poll this week shows 57% of Americans disapprove of militarized immigration tactics.
Even among conservatives, there’s discomfort with the precedent being set. As there are concerns about how the military can be used.
Legal experts have also expressed concerns about the plan, given how intricate immigration law is. There are additional concerns that quickly training JAGs in immigration could lead to large group of individuals who don't understand the law.
As of now, the National Guard have not received "formal tasking," but are standing by. However, the proposal is unprecedented and will likely face legal challenges if moved forward.
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