The Trump administration is deploying 200 Marines to Florida in support of ongoing ICE deportation operations throughout the state, military officials confirmed on Thursday.
The announcement, made by U.S. Northern Command, follows a formal request from the Department of Homeland Security in May for assistance from the armed forces.
According to a statement released by Northern Command, the Marines will assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement with its “interior immigration enforcement mission.”
Officials added that similar deployments are anticipated in other states, including Louisiana and Texas.
Northern Command made clear that the Marines will not be allowed to have any “direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involved in any aspect of the custody chain.”
This latest deployment follows a previous operation in California, where 700 Marines were sent to Los Angeles last month to bolster the National Guard during widespread anti-ICE demonstrations in the city.
California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the military’s involvement, accusing President Trump of deliberately intensifying the conflict.
Earlier reporting by The New York Times revealed that the Department of Homeland Security had asked for over 20,000 National Guard troops in May to assist in carrying out President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda.

{Matzav.com}