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Trump Administration sends 200 Marines to Florida to bolster ICE duties

The uniformed personnel will not perform law enforcement functions. Instead, they will provide assistance in critical areas such as transportation, data processing, and infrastructure duties.

Marines on patrol in Los Angeles

Marines on patrol in Los AngelesFederico J. Brown / AFP

Sabrina Martin
Published by
Sabrina Martin

The Trump Administration began the deployment of some 200 Marines to Florida to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its mission to enforce immigration laws within the country. The U.S. Northern Command (Northcom) confirmed Thursday that the military personnel will provide logistical and administrative support without getting involved in arrests or direct handling of people in federal custody.

The Marines come from the 272nd Marine Wing Support Squadron, based in New River, North Carolina, and their deployment follows a formal request from the Department of Homeland Security to the Pentagon on May 9. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized an initial deployment of up to 700 service members, including active duty, National Guard, and reservists.

Key task support, no contact with detainees

Northcom made it clear that the uniformed personnel will not perform law enforcement functions. Instead, they will provide assistance in critical areas such as transportation, data processing, and infrastructure tasks within ICE facilities. Per protocol, they are prohibited from interacting with detainees or participating in the chain of custody of individuals in deportation proceedings.

The deployment to Florida is part of President Trump's broader strategy to bolster ICE operations in the face of increased illegal immigration and pressure on detention facilities. It is anticipated that this "first wave" of military support will be followed by new assignments in Texas and Louisiana in the coming weeks.

More military presence under second term

President Trump has stepped up the use of the military in immigration enforcement support roles. Currently, about 8,500 troops have been deployed to the southern border with Mexico, and another 5,000 are deployed to Los Angeles to provide security for federal facilities, including 700 Marines assigned to protect ICE buildings and personnel.

In parallel, the Pentagon also confirmed that about 70 members of the Florida National Guard have been assigned to provide security at the remote immigration detention center in the Everglades, known informally as "Alligator Alcatraz."

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