In an unusual move, the Trump administration is calling on Army Reserve and National Guard members to serve as temporary immigration judges. While the detailed rationale remains behind a paywall, the shift indicates a notable expansion of military roles in domestic legal matters.
Trump administration taps Army Reserve and National Guard for temporary immigration judges

Key Takeaways:
- The Trump administration tapped Army Reserve and National Guard members as temporary immigration judges.
- The announcement was reported by the Associated Press on October 3, 2025.
- Full details of the plan remain behind a paywall, according to the original source.
- It marks an expanded federal use of service members beyond typical military operations.
- Limaohio first published the Associated Press report detailing the decision.
Background on the Decision
On October 3, 2025, Limaohio published an Associated Press report indicating that the Trump administration has turned to the Army Reserve and National Guard to serve as temporary immigration judges. The story, credited to reporters Julie Watson and Amy Taxin, was briefly described online but the full details remain accessible only through a paid plan.
Origins of the Announcement
Although the complete text of the original article is limited, the known information outlines a notable strategy from the White House. Tapping into the military reserve forces for judicial functions signals a departure from customary civilian staffing in immigration courtrooms. The article’s headline, “Trump administration taps Army Reserve and National Guard for temporary immigration judges,” captures the significance of this shift.
Potential Implications
Turning to the Army Reserve and National Guard for legal tasks underscores the administration’s response to the pressing demands and potential backlog in immigration courts. By involving service members, officials may be attempting to expedite the process. However, the finer points of how these service members are selected or trained for their new roles are not detailed in the publicly available portion of the report.
A Brief Note from the Source
The Associated Press coverage, as found on Limaohio’s website, indicates this arrangement addresses federal immigration enforcement under President Trump. Additional information, including interviews or data on how many troops will serve, remains behind a paywall. Readers interested in the complete story are directed to the publication’s website for further reading.
Significance of This Approach
Given that immigration cases can be time-sensitive, introducing members of the National Guard and Army Reserve may streamline proceedings, but it also prompts questions about the scope and effectiveness of such a measure. Without extensive public documentation, the long-term impact of this decision remains unclear.
End of Article.