Democrats launch probe into Trump's alleged military deportation crackdown
WASHINGTON, DC: More than 60 Democratic lawmakers have accused the Trump administration of effectively turning US military installations into immigration enforcement zones, launching a congressional inquiry they say is needed after reports that service members, veterans, and military families have faced detention or deportation tied to military bases.
In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Monday, August 10, the lawmakers argued the policy is creating fear within military communities and undermining troop morale, recruitment, and military readiness.
Lawmakers question military policy
Led by Sens Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Tammy Duckworth, the lawmakers alleged recent immigration enforcement practices have fundamentally changed how military installations operate for non-citizen troops and their families.
They argued some service members and relatives now fear visiting bases for healthcare, housing assistance, or other military services because of possible immigration enforcement.
"Aside from legal concerns, DoD's new practices create a chilling effect on service members and their families," the lawmakers wrote.
The letter also asks the administration to explain how the Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security are coordinating immigration operations on military installations and what legal safeguards exist for military personnel and their families.
Veteran arrests fuel scrutiny
The lawmakers said the administration has not disclosed how many service members have been detained during expanded immigration enforcement operations.
However, they cited an investigation conducted by their offices that found Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 125 veterans, with nearly two-thirds of whom allegedly did not have active criminal warrants.
According to the same investigation, ICE also sought to deport at least 282 veterans and military family members.
The lawmakers argued those figures demonstrate why Congress needs greater oversight of enforcement actions involving military communities.
Administration asked to respond
The letter urges the Trump administration to restore policies that treated military service as a significant factor during immigration proceedings and requests detailed information about enforcement practices affecting military installations.
Lawmakers also raised legal questions about the Defense Department's role in civil immigration enforcement, citing potential concerns involving the Posse Comitatus Act, and protections available to active-duty service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
The Pentagon said it would respond directly to the lawmakers. The White House and Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately comment on the allegations.
