U.S. Marines Deployed to Florida for Immigration Enforcement Support
Approximately 200 Marines are being dispatched to Florida to bolster the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) efforts regarding interior immigration enforcement. This deployment is orchestrated under the auspices of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).
The Marines, associated with the Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, are responding to a request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Secretary of Defense Sean Parnell has sought additional resources for ICE operations in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, emphasizing the need for critical administrative and logistical support at designated ICE sites.
Parnell’s call for assistance includes mobilizing a total of 700 personnel, drawing from active, National Guard, and reserve forces. This initial deployment of Marines is part of a broader operational strategy anticipated by USNORTHCOM.
According to a statement from USNORTHCOM, those involved in this mission will undertake strictly non-law enforcement roles within ICE facilities. Their responsibilities will be centered on administrative and logistical support, explicitly excluding any direct interaction with individuals in ICE custody or participation in any elements of the custody process.
The Secretary of Defense highlighted that this assistance aims to alleviate unnecessary burdens from law enforcement agencies. He noted, “This support provides essential resources for ICE’s mission, allowing law enforcement personnel to concentrate on their primary duties.” The Department remains focused on achieving complete operational control of the southern border.
Furthermore, both the U.S. Air Force and Navy have commenced operations on federal properties along the U.S.-Mexico border, per a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Specific areas, encompassing roughly 250 miles in Texas’ Cameron and Hidalgo counties, are being transferred to Air Force command and will be overseen by Joint Base San Antonio as a newly established National Defense Area (NDA).
In June, a contingent of 500 Marines was sent to Los Angeles in response to unrest concerning anti-immigration enforcement, prompting backlash from figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized the deployment as “unnecessary” and even filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The governor’s office characterized the troop movements as overreactions.
These deployments are part of a comprehensive initiative managed by the Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB), which is a combined effort between the Air Force and USNORTHCOM to enhance and maintain a military presence along the border.
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