The United States Northern Command announced on Thursday that approximately 200 Marines will be stationed in South Florida to provide logistical and administrative support to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to the official statement, this deployment comes in response to a civil assistance request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
These Marines will not engage in any immigration enforcement tasks or participate in law enforcement operations. Their roles are strictly confined to essential logistical and administrative duties, ensuring no involvement in custody activities or contact with individuals detained by immigration authorities, as per the statement.
The military personnel will remain under the operational command of the Department of Defense, and their presence in South Florida is described as "temporary," stemming from an interagency agreement between the DOD and the DHS. This deployment is characterized as a mission of "domestic support," with Marines operating within the legal framework governing military assistance on U.S. soil.
The deployment aligns with an authorization signed by the Secretary of Defense in May 2025, allowing the mobilization of up to 700 personnel from active components, the National Guard, and the Reserve under the authority of Title 10 of the U.S. Code.
Officials emphasized that this mission adheres to the current regulations governing military collaboration in civilian operations within the country, and reiterated that the deployed personnel will serve solely as logistical support at designated ICE locations.
Back in June, the Trump administration had already ordered the deployment of 700 military personnel to Florida, Texas, and Louisiana as part of an effort to bolster immigration operations led by ICE. The goal, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, is to free up law enforcement resources for operational and border security tasks.
This strategy is part of an aggressive federal deportation campaign initiated in February, when the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its operational guidance for issuing Notices to Appear (NTA).
Since then, over 26,700 immigrants have been placed in deportation proceedings following negative responses to their applications for asylum, green cards, or work permits.
Key Aspects of Marine Deployment to Florida for ICE Support
What is the role of the Marines deployed to Florida?
The Marines in Florida will provide logistical and administrative support to ICE, without engaging in immigration enforcement or law enforcement operations.
How long will the Marines remain in Florida?
Their presence is considered "temporary" as part of a collaborative agreement between the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
What prompted this deployment of Marines to Florida?
The deployment was prompted by a request for civil assistance from the Department of Homeland Security.