200 Marines Deployed to Florida to Assist ICE with Non-Law Enforcement Tasks
The U.S. military is playing an increasingly prominent role in immigration enforcement, with the deployment of approximately 200 Marines from North Carolina to Florida as part of a broader effort to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with administrative and logistical tasks. This deployment, authorized by U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), follows a request by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to bolster ICE’s operations with non-law enforcement personnel. The Marines, attached to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and Marine Corps Air Station New River, are among the first wave of military support under a larger mobilization plan that includes active, National Guard, and reserve forces. Secretary of Defense Sean Parnell approved the mobilization, which aims to provide ICE with critical resources to manage its interior immigration enforcement mission across Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
The military’s involvement in immigration enforcement has intensified in recent years, particularly under the Trump administration, as federal agencies have sought to address rising border security concerns. The deployment of Marines to Florida is part of an ongoing effort to reduce the strain on law enforcement resources, with USNORTHCOM emphasizing that the service members will focus exclusively on administrative and logistical tasks within ICE facilities. According to a statement from USNORTHCOM, the Marines are specifically prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or any involvement in the custody chain. This approach is intended to ensure that law enforcement personnel can focus on their core missions, while the military provides essential support in managing the scale of immigration operations.
Complementing this deployment, the U.S. Air Force and Navy have also taken over positions on federal land along the southern border in Texas. Under a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a roughly 250-mile stretch of land in Cameron and Hidalgo counties has been transferred to military control as part of a newly established National Defense Area (NDA). This development underscores the growing integration of military assets into immigration enforcement efforts, as the Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB) continues to consolidate and strengthen military presence along the border. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational control of the border, with the Department of Homeland Security maintaining its commitment to securing 100% operational control of the U.S. southern border.
However, the expansion of military involvement in immigration enforcement has not been without controversy. Earlier this year, a battalion of 500 Marines was deployed to Los Angeles in response to anti-immigration enforcement riots, which drew sharp criticism from political figures such as California Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom, a Democrat, criticized the deployment as “completely uncalled for” and filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the decision. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate role of the military in domestic law enforcement and the potential implications for civil liberties and national security. Despite these criticisms, the Trump administration has continued to prioritize the use of military resources to support immigration enforcement, citing the need for increased security and operational efficiency.
As the military’s role in immigration enforcement continues to expand, the situation raises important questions about the balance between national security priorities and the responsibilities of civilian authorities. The deployment of Marines to Florida, along with the growing military presence on the border, marks a significant shift in the way the U.S. government approaches immigration enforcement, with implications for both domestic policy and the role of the armed forces in public affairs.