Response to Kelly Memo Authorizing Military Use of Force at Border

Washington, D.C.—In response to reports that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly signed a memo allowing troops stationed at the border to use lethal force and perform law enforcement actions, Human Rights First President and CEO Michael Breen issued the following statement:

It’s not enough that President Trump asked American servicemembers to spend Thanksgiving at the border in furtherance of a partisan agenda. Now, the White House is upping the ante by authorizing those servicemembers to use lethal force against refugees, migrants, and others at the border.  This legally dubious “cabinet order” creates confusion, undermines morale, and may very well lead to violence.  Americans should be thankful that those currently serving are likely to exhibit more judgment than their commander in chief.