Lawmakers open investigation into military family deportations

More than 50 troops’ spouses and parents detained

More than 60 lawmakers have opened an investigation into whether the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security are coordinating to deport military service members and their families, according to a letter the group sent Sunday evening.

The letter, addressed to the departments of Homeland Security, Defense and Veterans Affairs and provided to the Associated Press, follows AP reporting that more than 50 active-duty troops’ spouses and parents have been detained by immigration authorities.

In the letter, the Democrats said they will examine whether the two departments are working together on deportations that reach service members’ families. “These efforts imperil military readiness, weaken service members’ morale, and betray America’s promises to the people who put their lives on the line for our nation,” the letter said.

The signatories number more than 60 lawmakers.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the inquiry, stating it would “reply directly to the authors of the letter.”