DeSantis: DOJ, state working to deputize National Guard as immigration judges

DeSantis made the remarks alongside President Donald Trump during a visit to "Alligator Alcatraz," a new detention facility in the Sunshine State.

Published: July 1, 2025 3:01pm

Updated: July 2, 2025 7:42am

Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday confirmed that he was working with the Department of Justice to deputize Florida National Guardsmen as immigration judges to help expedite the deportations process.

DeSantis made the remarks alongside President Donald Trump during a visit to "Alligator Alcatraz," a new detention facility in the Sunshine State.

"We're offering up our National Guard and other folks in Florida to be deputized to be immigration judges. We're working with the Department of Justice, I'm sure Pam [Bondi] will approve," he said, with Trump affirming.

"I'll have a National Guard judge advocate here," he added. "Someone has a notice to appear, Biden would tell them to come back in three years and appear. Now, you'll be able to appear in like a day or two. So they're not going to be detained, hopefully, for all that long. We'll have people here, in this facility."

The Sunshine State is home to a large Latino population and has long been a beachhead for illegal immigration via sea, especially from Cuba and Haiti.

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