Trump breaks military recruitment vows as he arrests and deports veterans

The Trump administration has initiated deportation proceedings against 34 former military members over the past year and arrested 125 others for immigration violations, representing a dramatic reversal of previous policies that shielded service members and their families from enforcement action.

Federal data obtained by The New York Times reveals that immigration authorities also placed 248 relatives of former military members into deportation proceedings after the Trump administration rescinded Biden-era guidance giving service members preferential treatment in immigration enforcement decisions.

The shift marks a significant departure from longstanding practice. The Biden administration and prior administrations made military service members and their relatives lower priorities for detention and deportation, particularly when criminal convictions were involved.

The policy change directly contradicts military recruitment pledges. U.S. military recruiters continue promoting citizenship pathways for immigrant service members and promising temporary protection for their family members. Green-card holders joining the military have historically accessed expedited citizenship processes, and relatives can apply for temporary permission to remain in the country.

However, federal data shows the number of green-card holders applying for citizenship after military service declined significantly during Trump's first term. Currently, nearly 27,000 active duty immigrants and about 20,000 reserve and National Guard members serve in the military, with 115,000 immigrant veterans in the broader veteran population as of 2022.

Family members of service members now fear applying for temporary protection benefits, concerned that such applications will target them for deportation.

A prominent case illustrates the policy's impact. Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart recipient who served in Panama in 1989, self-deported to South Korea in June despite living in the United States since childhood. After struggling with PTSD and drug addiction following his service, Park had fought earlier deportation orders and was allowed to remain in the country on the condition he avoid further legal troubles. An immigration officer nonetheless informed him in May 2025 that he faced deportation unless he left voluntarily.

Lawmakers have criticized the policy as both ineffective and disrespectful to service members.

"Donald Trump's way of thanking our veterans for their service is by targeting and deporting them and their families," said Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

The Department of Homeland Security defended the policy, stating that no one should be exempt from immigration law consequences. The agency did not respond to questions about whether any detained veterans were ultimately deported.