Greg Sargent at TNR has a big scoop today. I think we always knew this was coming, didn’t we?
[A]n internal memo circulated inside the Department of Homeland Security suggests that Trump’s use of the military for domestic law enforcement on immigration could soon get worse. The memo—obtained by The New Republic—provides a glimpse into the thinking of top officials as they seek to involve the Defense Department more deeply in these domestic operations, and it has unnerved experts who believe it portends a frightening escalation.
The memo lays out the need to persuade top Pentagon officials to get much more serious about using the military to combat illegal immigration—and not just at the border. It suggests that DHS is anticipating many more uses of the military in urban centers, noting that L.A.-style operations may be needed “for years to come.” And it likens the threat posed by transnational gangs and cartels to having “Al Qaeda or ISIS cells and fighters operating freely inside America,” hinting at a ramped-up militarized posture inside the interior.
For now this appears to be a secret policy which means they know it’s unconstitutional but they plan to barrel ahead anyway:
Participants listed comprise the very top levels of both agencies, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and several of his top advisers, Joint Chiefs chairman Dan Caine, and NORTHCOM Commander Gregory Guillot. Staff include Phil Hegseth and acting ICE commissioner Todd Lyons.
“Due to the sensitive nature of the meeting, minimal written policy or background information can be provided in this briefing memo,” the memo says.
The person leading the meeting is Phillip Hegseth, Whiskey Pete’s brother who is a top adviser to Kristi Noem. Only the best!
I’m sure this will go up to the Supreme Court which will no doubt find that the president’s foreign policy prerogatives of course means that he can use the military within the United States to police American citizens. What could be more obvious?