Florida National Guardsmen will soon render deportation verdicts as immigration judges under a bold new plan approved by President Trump, marking a dramatic acceleration in the state’s approach to handling illegal immigration cases.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump has approved Florida’s plan to deputize National Guard members as immigration judges after a six-week training program.
- Nine National Guard Judge Advocates have already been identified to meet Department of Justice requirements for the specialized training.
- The initiative aims to dramatically expedite deportation decisions at facilities like the new “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center in Ochopee, Florida.
- Trump’s executive order from January 20th empowers governors and state police to enforce federal immigration laws, which Governor DeSantis has “already taken advantage of.”
- Some immigration attorneys have expressed concerns about the complexity of immigration law and whether six weeks of training is sufficient for proper case handling.
National Guard Judges: A New Approach to Immigration Enforcement
In a significant development for immigration enforcement, President Donald Trump has given his approval for Florida to use National Guard members as immigration judges. The innovative approach, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, includes a six-week training program designed to prepare National Guard officers for judicial roles in immigration cases. The strategy represents a new frontier in state-level involvement in immigration enforcement, with Florida positioning itself at the forefront of implementing Trump administration policies aimed at streamlining deportation processes.
During his visit to Florida’s new detention facility, President Trump confirmed his support for the initiative with characteristic directness. “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 Trump. The president also highlighted his earlier executive action that set the stage for this development: “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,” Trump stated.
Inside ‘Alligator Alcatraz’: Florida’s New Immigration Detention Center
The announcement came during Trump’s tour of a new illegal immigrant detention facility in Ochopee, Florida, colloquially dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Located approximately 40 miles southwest of Miami in the Everglades, this facility serves as the physical manifestation of Florida’s aggressive stance on illegal immigration. The Florida Department of Emergency Management is preparing for the arrival of undocumented immigrants at this center, which will become the operational hub for the new judicial program once implementation begins.
“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,” reported by media..
Implementation and Concerns
Florida officials have identified nine National Guard Judge Advocates who meet Department of Justice requirements for the specialized training program. While the National Guard has not yet received formal orders to begin the program, preparations are already underway. The initiative represents a practical application of the administration’s commitment to empowering states in immigration enforcement while addressing the backlog in immigration courts that has slowed deportation proceedings nationwide.
Not everyone is enthusiastic about the plan. Immigration attorney Fola Olubunmi expressed reservations about the adequacy of the training program: “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 Olubunmi. These concerns highlight the tension between the desire for expedited proceedings and the need for thorough legal review in complex immigration cases.
A Model for Other States
The Florida initiative may serve as a blueprint for other conservative states looking to take a more active role in immigration enforcement. By deputizing National Guard members as immigration judges, Florida is testing the boundaries of state authority in an area traditionally controlled by the federal government. If successful, this approach could fundamentally alter the landscape of immigration enforcement nationwide, giving states unprecedented authority to manage illegal immigration within their borders while alleviating the burden on federal resources.
With the backing of President Trump and the determined leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida’s innovative strategy represents a significant escalation in the fight against illegal immigration. The coming months will reveal whether this approach delivers the expedited deportation decisions its proponents promise, potentially reshaping immigration enforcement across America if other states follow Florida’s lead. For now, all eyes are on the Sunshine State as it prepares to deploy National Guardsmen in black robes to address one of the nation’s most contentious issues.
