DOD Ramps Up Pressure on Employees to Volunteer for DHS Immigration Enforcement
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is increasing pressure on civilian employees within the Department of Defense (DOD) to volunteer for assignments supporting immigration enforcement efforts at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A recent memo, sent February 19th, explicitly directs supervisors to “encourage” their staff to apply for these details, signaling a more assertive push than previous requests. This move comes as the Trump administration continues to prioritize border security and internal immigration enforcement, and as the DOD itself faces workforce reductions.
Expanding Detail Opportunities and Increased Urgency
While the DOD initially authorized civilian employee details to DHS in June 2025, according to a memo released at the time, the latest communication from Secretary Hegseth represents a shift in tone. The February memo, first reported by GovExec, instructs supervisors to actively promote the program and educate employees on its “importance.” One Army civilian employee, speaking anonymously to WIRED, noted a “definitely more pressure” on the supervisory chain compared to the initial announcement. The employee stated that the first memo was largely ignored, with few, if any, staff members taking up the opportunity.
These details, lasting up to 180 days, offer civilian DOD personnel the chance to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Available positions, posted on USAJobs, encompass a range of tasks, from data entry and logistical support to assisting with the planning and execution of immigration enforcement operations. Specifically, the roles include support for “developing concepts of operation and campaign plans to execute internal arrests and raids as well as patrols along the Southwest Border,” managing the flow of detained migrants, and logistical planning for personnel and equipment movement.
Workforce Strain and Competing Priorities
The timing of this increased pressure coincides with Secretary Hegseth’s broader efforts to reduce the DOD’s civilian workforce. Reports from Business Insider indicate that Hegseth has signed memos aimed at shrinking the department, leading to increased workloads for remaining employees. The anonymous Army civilian employee highlighted this strain, stating they have absorbed the responsibilities of three departed colleagues. This context raises concerns about the feasibility of deploying staff to DHS without further impacting ongoing DOD operations.
Adding to the complexity, the DOD is currently heavily involved in responding to escalating tensions in the Iran-Israel conflict. As reported by the Department of War, Hegseth is overseeing intensified US military actions in the region. This commitment of resources and personnel raises questions about the practicality of diverting civilian staff to immigration enforcement duties.
What the Roles Entail
The range of tasks assigned to detailed DOD civilians varies. While some roles involve administrative duties like data entry, others place employees directly within immigration enforcement operations. This includes assisting ICE and CBP with planning raids, managing the movement of detained individuals, and providing logistical support for enforcement activities. The job postings emphasize support roles, clarifying that detailed employees will not be directly involved in law enforcement activities.
A Broader Trend of Federal Agency Support for Immigration Enforcement
The DOD’s increased involvement in immigration enforcement is part of a larger trend across the federal government. Other agencies, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the General Services Administration (GSA), have also implemented policies and initiatives to support the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. HUD has proposed rules restricting housing assistance to families with undocumented members, while the GSA has been tasked with assisting ICE in securing new facilities. This coordinated effort underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening immigration enforcement across multiple federal agencies.
Reported Participation and Future Outlook
Despite the increased pressure, the extent of civilian participation remains unclear. The DOD claims that “nearly 500 DoD civilians have signed up” for detail assignments as of August 2025, but the anonymous Army employee reports that they are unaware of anyone within their organization who has taken up the offer. This discrepancy highlights a potential gap between official figures and actual participation rates.
The future of this program will likely depend on the continued prioritization of immigration enforcement by the Trump administration and the willingness of DOD civilian employees to volunteer. Given the existing workforce strain and competing priorities within the DOD, it remains to be seen whether Secretary Hegseth will be able to achieve his goal of significantly increasing civilian support for DHS. Further developments will likely be tracked through postings on USAJobs and official statements from the DOD and DHS.
The process for applying for these details remains open through USAJobs, with FEMA handling the review of applications. The ongoing situation warrants continued monitoring to assess the program’s impact on both the DOD’s operational capacity and the broader landscape of federal immigration enforcement.