Story perspectives

Military Lawyers Deployed as Judges Amid Immigration Backlog

9/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved deploying up to 600 military lawyers as temporary immigration judges to address a backlog of over 3.6 million cases.
This move aligns with President Trump's efforts to tighten immigration enforcement.
The Justice Department cited a surge of 1.8 million new cases filed last year.
Critics warn this could compromise due process and court integrity.
Concerns include military lawyers' inexperience in immigration law and potential legal violations.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved deploying up to 600 military lawyers as temporary immigration judges to address a backlog of over 3.6 million cases.
This move aligns with President Trump's efforts to tighten immigration enforcement.
The Justice Department cited a surge of 1.8 million new cases filed last year.
Critics warn this could compromise due process and court integrity.
Concerns include military lawyers' inexperience in immigration law and potential legal violations.