Pentagon Expands Job Training for Troops to Join Border Enforcement Agencies

In a bold new directive, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged military leaders to focus on and enhance job training opportunities with border enforcement agencies for troops approaching their separation from the armed forces. The initiative expands the Pentagon’s SkillBridge program, highlighting career opportunities with CBP and ICE, and underscores the closer connection between the Department of Defense and the Trump administration’s assertive immigration policies.

Two weeks ago, Hegseth signed a memo that was made public on Thursday, calling on commanders to grant requests from troops eager to join these agencies “to the maximum extent possible.” While SkillBridge has historically provided service members the opportunity to pursue civilian job training during their last 180 days of service, this represents a notable moment as the Pentagon has highlighted the importance of immigration enforcement.

A defense official has verified that the existing training roles encompass paralegal, intelligence analyst, and program management tracks; however, it is essential to note that no law enforcement responsibilities are allowed during participation in SkillBridge. Yet, legal scholars warn that this action obscures the distinction between civilian law enforcement and military service.

“This raises significant inquiries,” remarked Emory Law professor and former military officer Mark Nevitt. “One must exercise great caution when considering the integration of active-duty troops into such roles.”

This policy is introduced alongside a similar initiative that permits Pentagon civilian employees to be assigned to the Department of Homeland Security to assist with border operations. The alterations signify a broader movement during the Trump administration that intertwines military and immigration enforcement roles—an approach that legal experts argue tests the boundaries of Posse Comitatus, which prohibits active-duty military from engaging in civilian law enforcement duties.

In the face of official denials regarding violations, Guard troops have been observed taking on crowd control duties in cities such as Los Angeles during recent immigration protests, intensifying worries about constitutional implications.