In a move stirring national debate, the U.S. military has confirmed the deployment of 200 Marines to Florida. Their mission: to provide logistical and administrative support to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This deployment is part of a broader federal initiative aimed at strengthening ICE operations in high-traffic immigration states, including Texas and Louisiana. Officials say the Marines will not be involved in any direct enforcement activities. Their roles are strictly non-combat — focusing on support within ICE detention centers.
Despite these assurances, the presence of uniformed military personnel working alongside ICE has triggered widespread backlash and concern from civil rights groups, immigration advocates, and some lawmakers. Critics argue it sends a troubling message about the militarization of immigration policy.