FLORIDA – In a controversial move that has sparked concern among immigration advocates and environmental groups, the U.S. Northern Command announced Thursday that 200 U.S. Marines will be deployed to Florida as part of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts.
The marines, based out of North Carolina, will not perform law enforcement duties. Instead, they will handle administrative and logistical support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, according to officials.
Marines Won’t Enforce the Law — But Will Support It
The U.S. Northern Command clarified in its statement that the troops will not make arrests or engage with detainees, but will instead assist with internal support functions under ICE’s supervision.
This deployment is the first wave of a broader plan to station up to 700 military personnel in support of ICE operations, following a request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In accordance with the June 17th Department of Defense statement (https://t.co/jQjylY3thX), USNORTHCOM announces 200 Marines are going to Florida to provide administrative and logistical support to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.https://t.co/WP2Xfmj5op pic.twitter.com/JH5SNhezVZ
— U.S. Northern Command (@USNorthernCmd) July 3, 2025
Controversial Detention Center ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Now Active
The announcement coincides with the opening of “Alligator Alcatraz,” a newly launched immigration detention facility located deep in the Florida Everglades.
The site began housing detainees Wednesday night and has quickly drawn backlash due to its remote location, environmental risks, and alleged lack of transparency.
The facility is part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to bolster the Trump administration’s immigration strategy at the state level. While it’s unclear if the marines will be stationed at Alligator Alcatraz, officials have not ruled it out.
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Federal Push for Military Backing of Immigration Policies
Thursday’s mobilization represents a shift toward using military resources to back immigration enforcement, a move critics say blurs the line between civilian and military roles.
“This is a troubling precedent — using military troops in domestic immigration efforts undermines democratic norms and raises serious civil rights questions,” said one immigration advocacy group.
What Do You Think?
Should the U.S. military be involved in supporting ICE operations? Do you agree with Florida’s use of remote detention centers? Sound off in the comments below. Follow ridgecrestpact.org for real-time updates on immigration, national security, and local impact
