Hegseth Approves Deployment of 600 Military Lawyers to Serve as Immigration Judges

In a striking move underscoring the scale of America’s immigration challenges, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed off on a plan to send up to 600 military lawyers to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to serve as temporary immigration judges.

The decision, revealed in a memo dated August 27 and obtained by the Associated Press, outlines how the military will begin dispatching attorneys in groups of 150. The initial round of personnel is expected to be identified by next week, with deployments starting “as soon as practicable.”

A Surprising Military Role

The involvement of military lawyers in the civilian immigration court system represents an unusual expansion of the military’s traditional role. Typically, military attorneys — known as Judge Advocates or JAGs — handle legal matters within the armed services, ranging from courts-martial to advising commanders on rules of engagement.

This new mission will place them squarely in America’s contentious immigration debate, as they step into a system overwhelmed by backlogged cases, political disputes, and intense public scrutiny.

“This is a major step,” said one senior defense official familiar with the memo. “It underscores just how strained the immigration court system has become and the lengths the government is willing to go to try to address it.”

The Backlog Crisis

The U.S. immigration court system is facing unprecedented pressure. More than 3 million cases are currently pending, according to recent government figures, with some immigrants waiting years for their hearings to be scheduled. The shortage of judges has been a persistent issue, with critics warning that delays create legal limbo for asylum-seekers, undocumented migrants, and communities along the border.

By sending hundreds of military attorneys into the system, the Biden administration hopes to temporarily ease the caseload and reduce wait times. Officials argue that many JAGs have extensive courtroom experience and the legal expertise necessary to take on the work.

“This is about bringing skilled lawyers into a system that desperately needs them,” said a Justice Department spokesperson. “We need to clear cases faster, and this partnership helps make that possible.”

Political Reactions

The move has already sparked heated political reactions. Supporters argue that it demonstrates decisive leadership in the face of an ongoing crisis, while critics warn that it blurs the line between military and civilian institutions.

Immigration advocates voiced concern that military lawyers, despite their legal training, may not have the specific expertise needed for the complexities of immigration law. “Immigration cases are not like military tribunals,” said one attorney from the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “They involve unique statutes, humanitarian protections, and international obligations. There is a risk of mistakes that could have life-altering consequences.”

On Capitol Hill, some Republicans praised the move as overdue. “For too long, our immigration courts have been gridlocked,” said one GOP lawmaker. “Using military lawyers is a smart, practical step to restore order.”

Democrats, however, expressed more cautious support, with some raising questions about long-term strategy. “This might be a temporary fix,” said one Democratic senator, “but we also need sustained investment in hiring more permanent immigration judges, improving infrastructure, and ensuring due process.”

Inside the Memo

The August 27 memo offers key details about the rollout. Each branch of the military will be tasked with identifying eligible attorneys, both uniformed and civilian, who can be reassigned to DOJ duties. The initial batch of 150 will be selected quickly, with additional groups to follow until the total reaches up to 600.

Assignments are expected to last several months, though the exact duration may vary depending on needs. The memo emphasizes urgency, calling on services to act swiftly to fill the slots.

A Broader Strategy

The deployment of military lawyers is part of a broader administration strategy to cope with record numbers of migrants arriving at the southern border. Recent months have seen heightened crossings, political standoffs between federal and state authorities, and growing pressure on the White House to deliver results.

By moving lawyers into immigration courts, officials hope to relieve one of the system’s most glaring choke points. Whether the move will significantly reduce the backlog remains to be seen.

Looking Ahead

For the lawyers themselves, the assignment represents a new frontier. Many will be entering unfamiliar legal territory, grappling with cases that involve asylum claims, deportation orders, and complicated questions of international law. Training is expected to be provided, but questions linger about how quickly they can adapt.

Still, officials insist the urgency of the situation justifies the bold step. “We are in uncharted territory,” one defense official acknowledged, “but the reality is we can’t keep doing business as usual. The system is too overwhelmed, and we need all hands on deck.”

As the first wave of attorneys is identified in the coming days, the United States will watch closely to see if this military-civilian partnership can deliver meaningful relief — or if it sparks fresh debate over how far the government should go in tackling one of the nation’s most divisive issues.