Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., expressed strong opposition to using the military for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, responding to President-elect Donald Trump’s recent indication of such plans. Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Paul called the idea illegal and warned against the alarming image of armed troops marching through American cities, emphasizing his commitment to opposing such measures.
Citing a 19th-century law barring federal troops from domestic law enforcement without Congressional approval, Paul stressed the importance of adhering to the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. While supporting deportations of undocumented immigrants with criminal records, Paul argued that law enforcement agencies like the FBI and ICE are better suited for the task than the military or National Guard.
Paul stated he would oppose any plan involving military deployment in U.S. cities and suggested it could affect his Senate vote on confirming Trump’s Homeland Security nominee, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. Meanwhile, Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended the proposed deportation campaign as a fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promises, claiming it had voter backing.
Some Republicans, like Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., downplayed the likelihood of military involvement, suggesting that its mere threat could lead to voluntary departures. However, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., endorsed Trump’s ability to use the military under a national emergency declaration, signaling internal party divisions over the controversial proposal.
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