Here’s what Rand Paul had to say…
Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican and ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, recently expressed his concerns over President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the U.S. military in efforts to expel illegal immigrants. While Paul strongly supports efforts to deport criminals who are in the U.S. unlawfully, he made it clear that he believes using the military for this task is unconstitutional and unnecessary.
Trump’s focus on immigration has been a cornerstone of his political platform, especially since he first entered the political arena in 2016. Throughout the 2020 campaign, Trump promised to aggressively address illegal immigration, including the mass deportation of undocumented individuals. He has even indicated that his administration might declare a national emergency to expedite this process, including involving the military. However, Paul warned that this approach could violate legal principles and harm the country’s respect for constitutional rights.
Appearing on CBS’s Face the Nation, Paul explained that he fully supports deporting illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes. He pointed out that law enforcement should prioritize removing individuals involved in murder, sexual assault, and other serious offenses. However, he strongly disagreed with Trump’s idea of using the military to carry out these operations. Paul emphasized that such actions would be illegal, pointing to the importance of the Fourth Amendment and the requirement for law enforcement to follow proper procedures, including obtaining warrants from judges.
Instead of using military forces, Paul suggested relying on established federal agencies like the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Border Patrol to carry out deportations. He also expressed concerns about the practical challenges of mass deportation, including the limited resources available to immigration enforcement, such as a shortage of agents and detention facilities.
While some, including Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), have argued that deploying the military could be a violation of the Insurrection Act, which restricts the use of military force for domestic law enforcement, Paul remains steadfast in his opposition. He believes that the National Guard should not be mobilized for deportations, especially without clear legal backing from state governors. In his view, using military resources for law enforcement functions would undermine the integrity of civilian policing and damage public trust.
For Senator Paul, the solution to illegal immigration lies in adhering to the rule of law, ensuring that deportations are carried out through proper legal channels, and maintaining a clear separation between the military and domestic law enforcement. He has called for a more measured approach to immigration enforcement that respects both the Constitution and the rights of American citizens.