Congressional Democrats launch probe into efforts to deport US military members and their families

Congressional Democrats have launched an investigation into the Trump administration's efforts to deport US military members and their families, following an Associated Press (AP) report that over 50 active-duty troops' spouses and parents have been detained by immigration authorities.

The Democrats, in a letter sent to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DoD), and Department of Veterans Affairs (DoVA), expressed concern over the potential impact on military readiness and morale. They accused the administration of betraying the promises made to service members and their families.

The AP's investigation revealed that the Trump administration has rolled back protections for military families and deviated from established bipartisan consensus on deportations. This has led to service members delaying deployments to care for their detained spouses, causing delays and disruptions.

The letter, signed by more than 60 lawmakers, questioned whether DHS and the military were coordinating these deportations. The Democrats emphasized the ethical and legal concerns surrounding this alleged collaboration, with Senator Elizabeth Warren calling it "cruel" and hurting military readiness and morale.

The Pentagon, DHS, and DoVA have declined to comment on the allegations. The Department of Veterans Affairs did not respond to a request for comment. The White House also did not respond to inquiries about the administration's stance on the issue.

The AP's report comes as President Trump established the Military Spouse Commission, chaired by the wife of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to develop policies for improving the lives of troops' spouses. However, the Republicans on the armed services and veterans' affairs committees have not commented on the allegations.