See it: Trump’s Pentagon chief on troops arresting Americans — Dem lawmaker on ‘nuclear’ options
MSNBC·2025-06-12 00:06

Constitutional Concerns & Legality - The report highlights concerns about the erosion of the constitutional barrier between the military acting as a force to defend the nation and as an internal police force [4][5] - Questions arise regarding the legality of deploying Marines to enforce civil laws, especially without a complete breakdown in civil order or a request from the mayor and governor [6][7] - The deployment is viewed by some as not justified by the facts on the ground, potentially requiring court intervention to untangle the legality [7] Military Deployment & Justification - The use of military forces to detain or arrest American citizens is questioned, with concerns about the normalization of such actions [1][2] - The justification for deploying Marines to protect courthouses in California is challenged, as they are designed to protect against foreign enemies [8] - The lack of a predicate emergency is noted, questioning the necessity of federal troop involvement [11] Political & Institutional Implications - The report suggests a fear within the Pentagon that speaking out against the deployment could jeopardize careers [16] - There are concerns among officers and senior non-commissioned officers about the appropriateness of using the military for internal security tasks [17] - The absence of individuals within the Department of Defense who would stand up against potentially unconstitutional actions is noted [18] Congressional Oversight & Potential Actions - Congress is attempting to clarify the facts and ensure accountability regarding the military deployments [13] - Defunding activities related to immigration support via the Department of Defense is being considered as a potential action [13] - Questions are raised about who is reimbursing the Department of Defense for the money spent on internal security [14]