In a dramatic shift in immigration enforcement, the Pentagon has authorized the deployment of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, a move that could reshape the landscape of the U.S. immigration system. This unprecedented decision comes in response to a significant backlog of immigration cases that has plagued the Justice Department, raising urgent concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of the current judicial process.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the plan, which will see groups of 150 attorneys—comprised of both military and civilian personnel—sent to the Justice Department “as soon as practicable.” According to a memo reviewed by the Associated Press, the initial deployment will last no longer than 179 days, with the possibility of renewal depending on ongoing needs. The first round of military lawyers is expected to be identified by next week, signaling a rapid response to a crisis that has drawn national attention.

The White House has emphasized that resolving the immigration backlog is a top priority, with officials indicating that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the ongoing challenges within the immigration system. As President Trump prepares to address the nation from the Oval Office, the implications of this decision are already reverberating across the political landscape, igniting debates about the role of military personnel in civilian judicial matters.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Washington, where the intersection of military and immigration law could redefine how America processes its immigration cases. The urgency of this development cannot be overstated, as the nation grapples with pressing questions about legality, efficiency, and the future of its immigration system. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.