U.S. Northern Command Deploys Marines to Assist ICE in Florida

The U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) has announced the deployment of around 200 Marines to Florida, reinforcing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of its interior immigration enforcement operations. The Marines, who are part of Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and Marine Corps Air Station New River from North Carolina, will provide critical support following a request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Defense Secretary Sean Parnell has requested this military assistance, which extends beyond Florida to include operations in Louisiana and Texas. The mobilization comprises a total of 700 personnel from active duty, National Guard, and reserve forces, with the Marines being the first group to deploy in support of ICE’s mission. According to USNORTHCOM's statements, these military members will focus on non-law enforcement duties that will involve administrative and logistical roles without direct interaction with detained individuals.

Parnell indicated that this support aims to alleviate some of the pressures on law enforcement officers, allowing them to concentrate on their core functions. The U.S. military’s involvement includes not only the Marines but also the U.S. Air Force and Navy, which are overseeing federal lands along the southern border under directives related to national defense.

In a related development, a military battalion was previously mobilized to Los Angeles amid anti-immigration protests, drawing criticism from local leaders who deemed such actions unnecessary. These deployments are part of a broader initiative managed by the Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB), aiming to enhance military operations and consolidated efforts to maintain control over the southern border.