Last week, the Secretary of Defense authorized the deployment of up to 700 Department of Defense (DoD) military personnel to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
These service members will be drawn from all components and operate under a Title 10 duty status. Their role will involve providing logistical support and performing administrative and clerical tasks related to processing illegal aliens at ICE detention facilities. They will not engage directly in law enforcement activities.
The Department of Defense collaborates with the Department of Homeland Security, which is the lead federal agency in maintaining the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States. This support aims to provide essential resources for ICE's mission, allowing law enforcement personnel to concentrate on their primary tasks. The Department remains committed to achieving full operational control of the border.
"These service members...will provide logistical support," stated Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell. "They will not directly participate in law enforcement activities."
"This support provides critical resources...freeing up law enforcement personnel," added Parnell.
###
