Pressure Mounts on Defense Employees to Support Immigration Enforcement

The Department of Defense (DOD) is intensifying its efforts to encourage civilian employees to volunteer for assignments with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of the ongoing immigration enforcement initiatives. A recent memo titled “Department of War Guidance to Encourage Support to the Department of Homeland Security Southern Border and Internal Immigration Enforcement Missions” was distributed to thousands of DOD employees, signaling a renewed push for participation in these operations. This directive follows a previous memo from June 2025, which initially authorized civilian employees to be detailed to DHS.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has emphasized the importance of these volunteer roles, instructing supervisors to actively solicit participation from their staff. In a message delivered to employees, Hegseth stated, “I expect every supervisor to encourage their civilian employees to volunteer.” The details of these assignments include supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for periods of up to 180 days, focusing on logistical support rather than direct law enforcement duties.

The DOD's call for volunteers comes amid a backdrop of heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The administration has claimed success in reducing illegal immigration to record-low levels, yet there are concerns about potential increases in migrant numbers due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in Venezuela and Cuba. The urgency of the DOD's request reflects an anticipated need for additional support as DHS faces challenges in managing immigration flows.

Despite the official push, some DOD employees express skepticism regarding the initiative. An anonymous Army civilian reported feeling increased pressure from supervisors but noted a lack of interest among colleagues in taking on these roles. “We all think it’s absurd,” the employee remarked, highlighting a disconnect between leadership directives and employee willingness to engage in these assignments. The timing of the renewed push has also raised eyebrows, particularly in light of ongoing military operations in Iran, leading some to view it as a “bad look.”

The DOD has not publicly commented on the specifics of the new directive, nor has DHS provided clarity on the implications of the current funding lapse affecting its operations. An Army official did communicate the importance of DHS's mission to safeguard the homeland, reinforcing the need for volunteer support amid potential increases in migrant numbers.

While the DOD's memo indicates a strong push for volunteer participation, reports from employees suggest a lack of engagement and discussion surrounding the detail opportunities since their initial announcement. This discrepancy raises questions about the effectiveness of the communication and the actual interest among DOD personnel in supporting DHS initiatives.

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• “I expect every supervisor to encourage their civilian employees to volunteer,” — Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary

• “We all think it’s absurd,” — Anonymous Army Civilian

The DOD's renewed emphasis on civilian volunteerism for immigration enforcement highlights the complexities and challenges facing both the military and immigration systems in the current political climate.