The U.S. military has confirmed the deployment of 200 Marines to Florida to provide logistical and administrative support to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The move, announced by the Department of Defense, has quickly sparked political and public debate across the country.
According to officials, the Marines will not take part in immigration enforcement. Their role is limited to operational support inside ICE detention facilities and offices, including infrastructure assistance, communications, and supply coordination.
The deployment is part of a broader federal effort to reinforce ICE operations in high-demand states such as Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, where detention centers have been operating near capacity amid increased migration pressures.
While the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security describe the mission as temporary, critics warn it could contribute to the militarization of immigration policy. Supporters argue it will ease pressure on ICE staff, while opponents fear it may increase anxiety within immigrant communities and raise concerns about civil–military boundaries.