Trump Administration Authorizes U.S. Military to Use Deadly Force Along U.S./Mexico Border

Searches, detentions, crowd control, and, if necessary, deadly force are among the powers the White House has authorized for the U.S. military to protect Border Patrol officers and other personnel near Mexico.   See this Los Angeles Times report.

As reported yesterday, the unusual order is likely to be challenged in court on grounds that federal law restricts active-duty military in most cases from performing domestic law enforcement.

White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly signed the four-page memo, rather than the president of the United States.

KJ