200 Marines Deployed in Florida to Support ICE Amid Immigration Surge

Florida, United States - The U.S. Department of Defense has taken a significant step with the deployment of approximately 200 Marines from the Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, based in New River, North Carolina, to assist the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida. This move comes as a response to a request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made on May 9, 2025, aimed at alleviating the internal migration control burdens on ICE amidst increasing immigration challenges.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved this deployment, which can expand to as many as 700 active-duty personnel, including members from the National Guard and Reserves, under Title 10 authority. Notably, the roles of these Marines will be limited to administrative and logistical support, such as transportation coordination and data entry. They are explicitly prohibited from direct contact with detainees or participation in detainment operations.

Context of Military Involvement in Immigration

This deployment reflects a broader trend of militarization along U.S. borders. Over recent years, unauthorized entries and immigration-related issues have surged, prompting military support in border enforcement. For example, designated militarized zones now cover nearly a third of the U.S.-Mexico border, as reported by Associated Press. These areas, supervised by military bases, have led to nearly 1,400 criminal trespassing charges against individuals attempting to cross illegally.

In places like Luna County, New Mexico, reactions to an increased military presence are mixed. While some local farmers back this initiative for improved border enforcement, concerns are raised regarding restricted access to public lands by environmental and civil rights advocates. As the military’s role along the border expands—now topped by a presence of over 7,600 members—public access and the implications of such intervention remain contentious topics.

Looking Beyond Borders

Meanwhile, across the borders south of the United States, similar issues are emerging. In Chile, for instance, President Sebastián Piñera has enacted measures to bolster military involvement against illegal immigration and organized crime along the northern borders. The modification of Decree 265 allows the armed forces to provide logistical support in detecting and controlling illicit crossings.

The Chilean context highlights the increasing strain of clandestine immigration routes, where numbers increased from 8,000 to 13,000 between 2019 and 2020. This echoes similar trends seen in the U.S., showcasing that challenges related to migration are intensifying not just in the U.S., but across Latin America.

The new legislation in Chile aims to ensure a fair and humane approach for migrants while strengthening the tools available to the state. This move corresponds with the framework of immigration laws intended to facilitate better collaboration with civil society and local authorities, mirroring aspects of U.S. strategies.

As nations grapple with these pressing immigration issues, the role of military forces in managing borders raises questions about the balance between security and humanitarian considerations. Whether in Florida, Chile, or across the broader region, the interplay between migration control, military involvement, and community impact will continue to shape the conversation on immigration policy.