U.S. Deploys Marines to Support ICE as Job Market Strengthens

The U.S. military announced that 200 Marines will be deployed to Florida to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with logistical and administrative tasks. This is part of a broader deployment of up to 700 Defense Department personnel authorized by the Pentagon to assist ICE operations in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. Officials emphasized that the Marines will not engage in law enforcement or interact with detainees.

Previously, 700 Marines were sent to Los Angeles to manage protests over ICE deportations, sparking criticism from California leaders. U.S. Northern Command reiterated that deployed personnel will focus on support roles within ICE facilities.

Meanwhile, the U.S. job market is showing unexpected strength. In June, 147,000 jobs were added, surpassing forecasts, and unemployment dropped to 4.1%. Upward revisions to previous months’ data pushed the three-month average to 150,000 jobs. The report prompted gains in the stock market.

Trump and his allies credited the economic performance to policies on trade, taxes, and deregulation. Trump praised the results on his Truth Social account, calling them “much better than expected.”