Florida National Guard members will soon become immigration judges with President Trump’s blessing, dramatically accelerating deportation decisions for illegal immigrants in the state’s new “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump has approved Governor DeSantis’ plan to deputize Florida National Guard members as immigration judges after a six-week training program.
- Nine National Guard Judge Advocates have been identified to meet Department of Justice requirements for the program.
- The initiative coincides with the opening of “Alligator Alcatraz,” a new detention facility in Ochopee, Florida, approximately 40 miles southwest of Miami.
- President Trump’s January 20th executive order empowered governors and state police to enforce federal immigration laws.
- Immigration attorneys have expressed concerns about the complexity of immigration law and whether six weeks of training is sufficient.
Trump Approves National Guard Immigration Judges
In a major policy shift aimed at addressing the border crisis, President Donald Trump has given his approval for Florida to deputize National Guard members as immigration judges. The announcement came during Trump’s visit to the newly opened “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility in Ochopee, Florida. This innovative approach represents a significant expansion of state authority in handling immigration cases and reflects the administration’s commitment to swift enforcement of immigration laws. The plan includes a comprehensive six-week training program designed to prepare National Guard officers for their new judicial responsibilities.
During the announcement, President Trump highlighted the executive action that made this initiative possible. “On January 20, they signed an executive order empowering governors and state police to be deputized to enforce federal immigration laws. And Ron’s already taken advantage of it,” said President Donald Trump.
Implementation and Preparation
Governor Ron DeSantis has been actively advocating for this initiative, which is now moving forward with federal approval. Nine National Guard Judge Advocates have already been identified to participate in the program and meet Department of Justice requirements. While formal orders have not yet been issued, the Florida National Guard stands ready to fulfill this new role. The Department of Emergency Management is preparing for the arrival of undocumented immigrants at the Everglades Migrant Detention Center, commonly referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
“Yes, he has my approval. That wasn’t too hard to get, was it right? He didn’t even have to ask me,” said President Donald Trump.
The detention facility itself represents a significant investment in infrastructure to support more aggressive immigration policies. Located approximately 40 miles southwest of Miami, “Alligator Alcatraz” will serve as a processing center where cases can be expedited. The presence of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Representative Byron Donalds at the announcement underscores the coordination between state and federal authorities in implementing this initiative.
Concerns and Criticisms
Not everyone is enthusiastic about the new approach. Immigration attorney Fola Olubunmi has raised concerns about the complexity of immigration law and whether the six-week training program is adequate preparation. Critics argue that immigration cases often involve nuanced legal considerations that require extensive experience and specialized knowledge. There are fears that insufficient training could lead to improper handling of cases and potentially unjust deportation decisions.
“Oh, my goodness, was my reaction. Immigration Law is very complex, with immigration judges, you have to have a certain amount of experience and understanding of the laws in order to be able to do that job,” said Fola Olubunmi.
However, supporters of the initiative maintain that the selected National Guard members already have legal backgrounds as Judge Advocates, providing them with a foundation upon which to build their immigration law expertise. The administration argues that the six-week specialized training will be sufficient to prepare them for their new roles while addressing the urgent need for more efficient case processing.
A Bold New Approach to Immigration Enforcement
This initiative represents a significant shift in how immigration cases are handled, with states taking a more active role in federal immigration enforcement. The collaboration between President Trump and Governor DeSantis demonstrates a unified approach to addressing illegal immigration through innovative solutions. By leveraging state resources and personnel, Florida aims to create a more efficient system for processing immigration cases and expediting deportation decisions for those who have entered the country illegally.
“President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed on July 1 that the Sunshine State will soon start deputizing its National Guardsmen as immigration judges to expedite deportation decisions.”
As this program moves forward, it will likely serve as a model for other states looking to take a more active role in immigration enforcement. The success or failure of Florida’s approach will undoubtedly influence future policy decisions nationwide as the administration continues its efforts to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. For now, all eyes are on Florida as it prepares to implement this groundbreaking initiative.
