Military Lawyers Mobilized: A Strategic Shift with Justice Department

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered military lawyers to temporarily assist the Justice Department in Memphis and near the US-Mexico border. This initiative involves dozens of attorneys and paralegals to support federal immigration offices, reflecting the administration's increasing reliance on military resources for immigration enforcement.

In a significant move, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed the military to deploy dozens of lawyers and paralegals to the Justice Department for temporary assignments. This initiative, set to last through next fall, aims to bolster legal support in Memphis and areas adjacent to the US-Mexico border.

According to a memo acquired by The Associated Press, all military branches must collectively identify 48 attorneys and 4 paralegals as potential candidates to act as special assistant US attorneys. This follows the Pentagon's recent decision to provide temporary immigration judges, further positioning military resources in immigration enforcement efforts.

The Justice Department has specifically requested legal support in Memphis and several Texan cities, where the National Guard is active under President Trump's orders. Despite concerns about potential impacts on the military's justice system, this deployment is framed as an opportunity for service members to enhance their legal acumen in support of national priorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)