The U.S. federal government has deployed 200 Marines to Florida as part of a coordinated operation to strengthen the administrative and logistical capacity of Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE).
This decision is part of a broader strategy to strengthen migration operations in the southeast of the country.
What are the Marines doing in Florida?
The Marines belong to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and were assigned to support ICE operations exclusively in administrative and logistical tasks.
They are not authorized to interact with persons in custody or to participate in arrests or transfers of migrants.
This military support is governed under the authority of Title 10 of the United States Code.
It allows the use of armed forces in federal missions, as long as they are not involved in direct law enforcement functions.
Deployment context
The deployment is in response to a formal request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), submitted in May 2025.
Up to 700 military personnel were requested to assist ICE in different border regions.
Florida was selected as the first point of reinforcement, but future moves in states such as Texas and Louisiana are already being contemplated.
This move follows President Donald Trump’s recent visit to a new detention center in central Florida, informally known as “The Alcatraz of the Alligators.”
This facility has the capacity to hold up to 1,000 people and is part of the new extended detention policy for people in irregular immigration status.
What does this mean for migrants?
The deployment is in response to a formal request from the DHS
The deployment of Marines in support of ICE has generated uncertainty and concern in many Hispanic communities in the United States.
Although the Marines will not be directly involved in raids or arrests, their presence strengthens ICE’s operational capabilities.
This could result in increased detention and deportation actions.
Lawyers and civil rights organizations recommend migrants – with or without documents – to stay informed about their rights.
It is also critical that they have an emergency plan, including who to contact in the event of an arrest and how to protect minors in the home.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
