US Marines Headed to Florida for Immigration Enforcement Support
The U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is deploying around 200 Marines to Florida to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its internal immigration enforcement efforts.
This unit, known as the Marine Corps Wing Support Squadron 272, will act under the guidance of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Defense Secretary Sean Parnell initiated this backup in response to critical operational needs for immigration and customs enforcement activities in states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
In a separate decision, the Pentagon announced the release of 150 National Guard troops from their security missions in Los Angeles due to increasing wildfire risks.
Parnell’s plan includes the mobilization of a total of 700 personnel, involving National Guard and reserve forces, with Marines being the first to respond to the USNORTHCOM’s call for support.
According to USNORTHCOM, Marines engaged in this mission will adhere strictly to administrative and logistical tasks, steering clear of any direct interaction with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in the custody process. Parnell explained that this assistance aims to alleviate some tensions concerning law enforcement.
He emphasized that this support will provide essential resources to bolstering ICE’s mission, allowing law enforcement to concentrate on their primary tasks. Officials stated ongoing commitment to operational management across the entire border.
The U.S. Air Force and Navy are also taking on roles overseeing federal lands near the southern border, following directives from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This specific area, measuring about 250 miles in Cameron and Hidalgo counties in Texas, has shifted to Air Force oversight as part of a newly established Defense Area.
Last June, a battalion of 500 Marines was mobilized in Los Angeles amid protests against immigration enforcement policies, leading to strong criticisms from figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom, who filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration.
The governor characterized the military’s movements as “completely uninformed.” This recent deployment is part of a broader strategy enabled by the Joint Task Force, Southern Border (JTF-SB), which aims to fortify military presence along the border through combined efforts from the Air Force and USNORTHCOM.
