Pentagon To Detail Hundreds Of JAGs As Temporary Immigration Judges After DOJ Rule Shift

The Pentagon confirmed it will detail hundreds of Defense Department lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges for 179-day assignments after a DOJ rule change expanded eligibility. Officials say the move aims to cut a multi-million-case backlog, with DOD attorneys receiving brief training before presiding over hearings. Critics warn the rapid deployment of largely non-immigration specialists risks due-process violations and further politicizes the immigration bench. The plan reflects the administration’s broader push to use military resources in domestic immigration enforcement.