The Pentagon announced Friday that 1,700 troops will now support immigration enforcement operations under state control, allowing military personnel to interact directly with detainees in ICE custody — a significant shift from previous policy.
The move transitions these service members from federal Title 10 status to state-controlled Title 32 status, granting them expanded authority to work inside ICE detention facilities. Defense officials cited “specific operational needs” as the reason for the change, noting that direct detainee contact is now necessary.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that 1,200 troops already assigned to the mission will undergo the status transition. An additional 500 newly authorized personnel will bring the total military support to approximately 1,700.
As part of the shift, Marine Corps and Naval Reserve personnel currently supporting the mission will return to their home stations. National Guard members under state authority will replace them to ensure continuity of operations.
According to the Department of Defense, military personnel will now provide case management, transportation, logistical support, and clerical assistance related to the in- and out-processing of illegal aliens in ICE detention. Officials said this support allows ICE agents to focus on core law enforcement activities.
The Department of Homeland Security originally requested military assistance on May 9, 2025. Defense officials emphasized that this transition reflects a growing federal commitment to immigration law enforcement amid operational strain on ICE resources.
The decision marks the latest expansion of military involvement in domestic immigration enforcement. Previous administrations typically limited military deployments to support roles that avoided direct contact with detainees.