Trump Administration Deploys 200 Marines to Florida in Support of ICE Operations
The U.S. Northern Command has dispatched approximately 200 Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, to Florida to aid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This action is part of a larger authorization to mobilize as many as 700 Department of Defense personnel throughout Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. The mission of the Marines is strictly confined to providing non-law enforcement support within ICE facilities.
Their responsibilities encompass case management, data entry into Department of Homeland Security systems, vehicle maintenance, and various administrative or logistical tasks. They are expressly forbidden from engaging with detainees or participating in custody procedures.
The deployment in Florida represents the “first wave” of military assistance for ICE from USNORTHCOM. This follows previous missions that deployed hundreds of troops — including 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guardsmen — to Los Angeles during protests concerning immigration enforcement.
The mission coincides with the inauguration of a new ICE detention center in the Florida Everglades, informally referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility has already faced criticism from advocacy groups and lawmakers regarding alleged human rights abuses and limited access for elected officials.
Military officials emphasize that the presence of the Marines is intended to allow ICE agents to focus on enforcement duties by managing administrative and logistical responsibilities behind the scenes.
Critics contend that employing military resources for immigration operations blurs the distinction between civilian law enforcement and military forces. Supporters argue that it enables ICE to function more effectively in light of increasing caseloads.
As the initial rotation of Marines establishes themselves in their roles, additional deployments may occur across the three authorized states, indicating a more significant military involvement in immigration-related support operations.