U.S.: 200 Marines Deployed in Florida to Support Immigration Raids

With the support of 200 marines, U.S. federal immigration authorities are working to carry out operations targeting undocumented immigrants. The deployment in Florida marks the first of a series of such actions requested by the Department of Homeland Security to assist ICE in implementing President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the mobilization of nearly 700 troops for deployments in Texas and Louisiana, according to officials. ‘Approximately 200 Marines (…) are moving toward Florida’ to support ICE, announced the U.S. Northern Command. Military personnel involved in this mission will perform strictly administrative and support roles and ‘will be prohibited from coming into direct contact with individuals placed under temporary detention by ICE,’ the statement added. The marines will also remain ‘within ICE facilities.’ Earlier this week, Donald Trump visited a new detention center in Florida nicknamed the ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ by both the White House and local authorities. The facility can hold up to 1,000 detainees. In June, the Republican leader had sent 4,000 National Guard members and 700 marines to Los Angeles in response to protests against ICE raids. Local officials criticized Trump’s decision to involve the military, which he deemed necessary to protect federal buildings and employees.