DeSantis Seeks Approval to Use National Guard as Immigration Judges

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is seeking approval from the Trump administration to allow Florida National Guard members, specifically Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs), to serve as immigration judges as part of the state's Operation Tidal Wave initiative. This move aims to expand Florida’s role in immigration enforcement from apprehension to adjudication, streamlining the deportation process for individuals with existing removal orders. DeSantis emphasized the administrative nature of these roles, clarifying that National Guard appointees would not be federal Article III judges but executive branch employees. He brushed aside concerns about due process, arguing that many immigrants have already received final orders of removal. DeSantis asserts that the state is prepared to implement this plan immediately, pending federal authorization, and sees it as a further step in strengthening Florida's partnership with federal immigration authorities.