HOUSTON, Texas – On Tuesday, it was announced that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized the deployment of up to 700 military personnel to assist with immigration enforcement efforts in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.
This comes after President Donald Trump deployed nearly 5,000 National Guard members and Marines to Los Angeles last week following protests over his stepped-up enforcement of immigration laws.
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In a statement from Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, the military personnel was sent to Texas to “provide logistical support, and conduct administrative and clerical functions associated with the processing of illegal aliens at ICE detention facilities. They will not directly participate in law enforcement activities.”
This past weekend, “No Kings” demonstrations were planned in nearly 2,000 locations all over the country to counter Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C. for the president’s 79th birthday.
In Houston, more than 10,000 people gathered outside Houston City Hall for the “powerful and peaceful demonstration,” as noted by Houston MayorJohn Whitmire.
“More than 10,000 people came together in a powerful and peaceful demonstration. Your commitment to exercising your First Amendment rights with respect, dignity, and unity reflects the very best of our city,” the city of Houston posted on social media. “No arrests. No serious injuries. Just one strong, united message — delivered peacefully.“
The move to send aide to Texas, Louisiana and Florida came after several reports of destruction and clashing between demonstrators and law enforcement in Los Angeles during protests. According to the Los Angeles Times, the city of Los Angeles has racked up nearly $20 million in police costs and other expenses in response to the protests.
Read Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell’s, full statement:
Last week, the Secretary of Defense authorized the mobilization of up to 700 DoD military personnel in support of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
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. They will not directly participate in law enforcement activities.
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. The Department remains committed to securing 100% operational control of the border.