The stated operational justification pinpoints rising caseloads and pressure on existing personnel in states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, where immigration detention facilities have been operating near capacity amid increased arrivals and processing demands.
Background and Authorization: How This Came About
The Pentagon subsequently authorized the mobilization of up to 700 military personnel to assist in various administrative and logistical roles across multiple states, including Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed off on the mobilization in June 2025, stating that the troops would be used strictly in support capacities and not in law enforcement roles.
The formal authority for such deployments comes under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which allows the Department of Defense to assign active‑duty forces to provide support to civilian agencies when requested and legally permissible. Continue reading…
