Pentagon deploys up to 700 military personnel to support US immigration operations in southern states
Services members in Florida, Louisiana, Texas will not 'directly' participate in law enforcement activities, spokesman says
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WASHINGTON
US Defense chief Pete Hegseth authorized last week the deployment of up to 700 military personnel to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in southern states, the Pentagon said Tuesday.
Services members in the states of Florida, Louisiana and Texas will provide logistical support, and conduct administrative and clerical functions at ICE detention facilities, spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.
They will not "directly" participate in law enforcement activities, he said.
"In maintaining the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States, the Department of Defense works alongside with the Department of Homeland Security, the lead federal agency in this critical effort.
"This support provides critical resources to support ICE's mission, freeing up law enforcement personnel to focus on law enforcement tasks and missions," he said, adding the department remains "committed" to achieving full operational control of the nation's borders.
