In a high-profile tv appearance Rand Paul raised serious concerns about military-based deportation plans. The senator pointed-out a long-standing law that makes it illegal to use federal troops for domestic enforcement (unless Congress says otherwise)
Paul supports removing people with criminal backgrounds but emphasizes that law-enforcement agencies - not soldiers should handle this task. He expressed worry about constitutional rights saying: “You dont want troops with semi-automatic weapons marching through New-York; its a bad look“
President will marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals drug dealers and human traffickers in American history
The planned operation would start after next years inauguration. Trump suggested using emergency powers to deploy military assets - which sparked debate among party members. Some like Byron Donalds see this as just tough talk saying many might leave on their own when enforcement gets strict
- FBI agents
- Immigration officers
- Border patrol staff
John Barrasso the incoming senate number-two republican backed the idea - claiming emergency powers could make military use legal; however questions remain about National Guard involvement which falls into a grey area between state and federal control