The Department of Defense announced today a change in the duty status of military personnel supporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in its immigration law enforcement mission. Personnel will transition from Title 10 to Title 32 status. This change affects the 1,200 service members currently authorized for the mission and includes an additional 500 newly authorized personnel, bringing the total DoD support to approximately 1,700 troops.
Through active planning and collaboration with our ICE partners, the Department determined that specific operational needs may require direct interaction with individuals in ICE custody. This led to a reevaluation of DoD military personnel duty status, with Title 32 status providing the necessary authorities for these tasks.
As part of this transition, Title 10 personnel from the Marine Corps and Naval Reserve who have been providing invaluable support will return to their home stations. National Guard members, in a Title 32 status, will seamlessly take over these vital mission roles to ensure continuity of support and operations.
This ongoing support, provided in response to a May 9, 2025 request for assistance from the Department of Homeland Security includes case management, transportation and logistical support, and clerical support for the in- and out-processing of illegal aliens at ICE detention facilities.
By providing these crucial services, DoD military personnel directly enable ICE to dedicate more trained agents to core law enforcement activities, significantly enhancing overall effectiveness. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the Department of Homeland Security in its mission to maintain the security of our borders and enforce immigration laws.
