- Oct 17, 2011
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Trump’s Domestic Use of Military Set to Get Worse, Leaked Memo Shows
an 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.”
The memo was authored by Philip Hegseth—the younger brother of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—who is a senior adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and DHS liaison officer to the Defense Department.
The memo outlines the itinerary for a July 21 meeting between senior DHS and Pentagon officials, with the goal of better coordinating the agencies’ activities in “defense of the homeland.” [DefSec Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the NORTHCOM commander were present at this meeting, among others.]
The U.S. military leadership ... need to feel—for the first time—the urgency of the homeland defense mission. They need to understand the threat, what’s at stake, and the political importance the administration has placed on this issue.
[That is not the military's concern.]
Asked for clarification of the memo’s intentions, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughin declined comment.
[Once again a link to the text of the MEMO itself. Some quotes:]
This meeting is a principal level discussion to share needs, priorities and expectations to enhance operational coordination between DHS and DoD in defense of the homeland.
- Everyone here is also aware of our joint work in L.A.
- It hasn’t been perfect, and we’re still working through best practices together, but I think it’s a good indicator of the type of operations (and resistance) we’re going to be working through for years to come.
- SECDEF Hegseth wants this meeting to be a message to the uniform side of DoD emphasizing the urgency of the homeland mission. He wants them to hear from DHS firsthand.
- YOU should ask how DoD is planning to more effectively support DHS during the next instance of “L.A.-type” operations.
