The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had approved sending up to 700 military personnel from the Department of Defense (DOD) to Florida, Louisiana, and Texas to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
"These service members, drawn from all components and operating in a Title 10 duty status, will provide logistical support, and conduct administrative and clerical functions associated with the processing of illegal aliens at ICE detention facilities," spokesman Sean Parnell said. "They will not directly participate in law enforcement activities."
Parnell also emphasized that the Pentagon would continue assisting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, in assisting with federal immigration enforcement.
"This support provides critical resources to support ICE's mission, freeing up law enforcement personnel to focus on law enforcement tasks and missions," Parnell said. "The Department remains committed to securing 100% operational control of the border."
Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida has been one of the leading states in fighting illegal immigration. The governor signed a package of anti-illegal immigration measures into law after a special legislative session in February.
The lengthy package included eliminating in-state tuition rates for undocumented students and requiring the death penalty for illegal aliens who commit capital crimes.
Florida has acted on these measures and others ever since.
In May, DeSantis announced that more than 100 Florida Highway Patrol troopers had been sworn in as Special Deputy U.S. Marshals to complement the federal government in their immigration crackdowns.
“Florida has led the nation on immigration enforcement, and we’re ready to do even more," DeSantis said after the announcement. “We’ve submitted a plan to the federal government to contribute new detention facilities and expanded apprehension efforts to their ongoing mission to reclaim America’s sovereignty.”
The governor also flexed Florida's anti-immigration muscle during "Operation Tidal Wave," which led to over 1,000 illegal alien arrests in just one week.
