A leaked Department of Homeland Security memo suggests the Trump administration is considering using the US military to bolster mass deportations, according to a report by The New Republic. The memo, allegedly written by DHS senior adviser Phil Hegseth—brother of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth—details plans to deploy troops for immigration enforcement.
The memo references a June 21 meeting between senior DHS and Pentagon officials, including Hegseth and acting ICE commissioner Todd Lyons. It outlines three action items, including leveraging the Pentagon's 'nationwide operational planning capabilities' to support deportation efforts.
The document urges military leadership to grasp 'the urgency of the homeland defense mission' and understand the political importance placed on immigration enforcement. It acknowledges that a previous deployment of National Guard members and Marines to Los Angeles in June was not 'perfect,' but describes it as a 'good indicator' of future operations.
President Donald Trump had already deployed approximately 5,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to counter protests against ICE raids. Most of those troops have since been withdrawn. The memo suggests military involvement in deportations could continue for 'years to come.'
The Independent has sought comment from the Department of Homeland Security.
