In an interview on Newsmax, Paul shared his perspective in detail, laying out both his practical and philosophical objections to the plan. He stated that if he were in charge of managing the immigration situation, the focus would first and foremost be on removing those who pose the greatest threat to public safety. For example, he highlighted that 15,000 individuals in the country have been convicted of murder and another 13,000 have been found guilty of violent sex crimes. Paul stressed that these 28,000 offenders represent a clear priority and should be the initial focus of any serious deportation effort.
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Paul went on to express deep concern about using military personnel for domestic immigration enforcement. Describing such a strategy as both unprecedented and inappropriate, he argued that it deviates sharply from the military’s intended purpose. He stated that the U.S. Army is not trained to round people up in our cities, adding that immigration enforcement should remain firmly in the hands of domestic law enforcement agencies, which are better equipped and legally authorized to handle such tasks.
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Paul also cited established U.S. legislation that forbids the military from doing domestic law enforcement duties, such as the Posse Comitatus Act. He cautioned that the delicate balance of power that characterizes the country’s democracy may be undermined if emergency powers were attempted to get around Congress and place troops on American streets. Paul warned that this is about more than simply immigration; it’s about creating a risky precedent that might erode constitutional protections.
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Despite his strong objections to the military’s involvement, Paul clarified that he supports removing people who are in the country illegally, particularly those who have committed crimes. However, he underscored that the image of soldiers patrolling the streets is not only damaging to the nation’s identity but also detrimental to how America is perceived on the global stage. He explained that our strength as a nation lies in our commitment to liberty and justice, not in showing force in a way that alienates our citizens.
While Paul has refrained from endorsing Trump in recent elections, he maintains that he supports many of the former president’s policies, particularly on issues such as tax reform and deregulation. Nevertheless, his stance on this issue highlights his steadfast commitment to constitutional boundaries and the proper role of government institutions.
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As debates over immigration policy continue to intensify ahead of the 2024 elections, Paul’s remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges in balancing security concerns with the preservation of American values. His opposition to military involvement in immigration enforcement underscores a broader ideological divide within the Republican Party, reflecting the ongoing struggle to define its identity in the post-Trump era.