Hegseth to deploy up to 600 JAGs as Temporary Immigration Judges

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized sending up to 600 military lawyers to the Justice Department to serve temporarily as immigration judges, according to a memo dated Aug. 27, a move the administration says is aimed at reducing a vast backlog of immigration cases. The memo calls for initial deployments in groups of 150 attorneys, both military and civilian, to be identified by the services as soon as practicable, with assignments lasting no more than 179 days and renewable thereafter, officials familiar with the plan said.

Pentagon and Justice Department officials have declined detailed public comment, and the White House said the administration is exploring a variety of options to help resolve the significant backlog in immigration courts. Estimates of pending cases vary, with Justice Department figures cited this year at roughly 3.5 million to 3.8 million matters awaiting adjudication. The memo notes the staffing effort would be undertaken at the request of the Justice Department.

Under the proposal, judge advocates general from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the National Guard would be sourced from active duty, reserves and guard units roughly in...