The Trump administration is sending 200 Marines to Florida to provide support for ICE deportation raids across the Sunshine State, military officials announced Thursday.
The mobilization of Marines was revealed by US Northern Command and came in response to a May request for military assistance from the Department of Homeland Security.
The Trump administration has announced the deployment of 200 Marines to Florida to assist with conducting logistical support at the direction of ICE. 2nd Marine Aircraft WingThe Marines will aid the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s “interior immigration enforcement mission,” according to a statement from US Northern Command.
Other deployments are expected in Louisiana and Texas, officials revealed.
They will be “prohibited from direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involved in any aspect of the custody chain,” US Northern Command said.
President Trump visiting tour a migrant detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” located at the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida. AFP via Getty Images
The Florida deployment comes after 700 Marines were sent to Los Angeles last month, joining National Guards troops, to help handle the anti-ICE riots that raged in the city.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom lambasted the military mobilizations, accusing President Trump of escalating the situation.
Back in May, the Department of Homeland Security requested more than 20,000 National Guard members to fill their ranks for the president’s illegal immigration crackdown, The New York Times reported.
