Senator Rand Paul supports President-elect Donald Trump’s border security plans but opposes using the military for mass deportations.
At a Glance
- Sen. Rand Paul backs Trump’s border security initiatives but disagrees with using the military for deportations
- Paul supports expelling millions of immigrants but believes law enforcement should handle it
- The senator plans to prioritize confirming Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security
- Paul will lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the next term
- A CBS News poll shows 57% support for Trump’s deportation plan, with 82% preferring immigration agencies handle it
Paul’s Stance on Trump’s Deportation Plans
Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, has voiced his support for President-elect Donald Trump’s border security initiatives while expressing concerns about the proposed use of military forces for mass deportations. Paul, who is set to lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the next term, has made it clear that he supports the idea of expelling millions of immigrants but believes that law enforcement, not the military, should handle such operations.
Legal and Practical Concerns
Paul has emphasized that using the military for deportations would be illegal and potentially damaging to the country’s image. He pointed out the limited resources available for deportations, noting that there are only 6,000 agents and 41,000 detention beds available.
The senator’s concerns are rooted in longstanding legal restrictions on using the military for domestic law enforcement. Federal law prohibits such use, although the military can assist in administrative roles. Gary Barthel, a military law expert, clarified that while the military can monitor borders and assist in transportation, they cannot perform law enforcement duties.
Public Opinion and Political Support
Despite Paul’s reservations, a CBS News poll indicates significant public support for Trump’s deportation plan, with 57% in favor. However, 82% of respondents prefer that immigration agencies handle the process, with only 40% supporting military involvement. This suggests that while there is broad support for stricter immigration enforcement, the public shares some of Paul’s concerns about the methods proposed.
Not all Republican senators share Paul’s position. Senator John Barrasso, the incoming Senate Republican whip, has expressed support for Trump’s plan, citing national security concerns.
Paul’s Future Plans and Priorities
Looking ahead, Senator Paul has outlined his priorities for the upcoming term. He plans to focus on confirming South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security once President-elect Trump takes office. Paul sees this as a crucial step in implementing a robust border security strategy.
“My first order of business will be getting her confirmed, and I plan on trying to do that either the day of the inauguration or that week,” Paul explained.
Additionally, Senator Paul intends to address President-elect Trump’s policy of having asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for U.S. immigration court hearings. He supports reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which was discontinued by President Joe Biden in 2022.
