Concerns About Extremism in the Military

Maya Wiley, a former federal prosecutor, expressed on Monday during an MSNBC segment that approximately 11% of military personnel in the U.S. may be involved with white supremacist or extremist groups.

The Supreme Court also made a significant decision on Monday, granting the Trump administration’s request to lift some immigration restrictions in Los Angeles. Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted that the judiciary “will not set immigration policies or prioritize enforcement.” In the “Deadline: White House” segment, Wiley warned that if institutions do not confront increasing authoritarianism and racial profiling, the country might soon face serious consequences. “There are veterans who have been highlighting this issue for some time, insisting the military needs to take more decisive action before this administration takes charge,” she added.

The administration had previously urged judges to overturn a district court ruling that prevented immigration agents from racially profiling individuals based on factors like race, location, or language during stops. The judges had been told they lacked the authority to excessively manage immigration enforcement, particularly in regions with significant illegal immigrant populations.

Wiley voiced concerns regarding the Supreme Court’s inability to clearly define limits on racial profiling, which she believes jeopardizes the country’s checks and balances. She stated, “Without a clear stance from the Supreme Court, we risk losing much of the balance of power. It’s crucial to connect these issues to real lived experiences—people, especially those who are Latino or speak Spanish as their first language, often face undue scrutiny.”

She highlighted the pervasive issue of racial profiling in city environments, suggesting that law enforcement is disproportionately focusing on minorities. “We’ve witnessed random lockdowns where decisions on who gets stopped seem to hinge on race—be it Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, or Black. This type of profiling is alarming, and it’s a trend that could affect many,” Wiley remarked. She emphasized that the implications for the military are especially significant, as history shows that military forces can refuse to cooperate under authoritarian regimes.

Additionally, a Pentagon-funded study reported by the Associated Press noted that white supremacists’ presence in the military was underestimated. The study concluded that those extremists with ties to the military constitute a minority within the overall force.