WASHINGTON - The Department of Defense says 700 military members have been sent to Texas, Florida and Louisiana to help support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Military members sent to help ICE

Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the mobilization last week.

The 700 military members will help provide logistical support and provide administrative and clerical functions associated with processing individuals at ICE detention facilities.

The military members will not directly participate in law enforcement activities.

The Department of Defense says the support will free up law enforcement to focus on other tasks and missions.

The Department of Defense did not say exactly where the military personnel were being stationed.

The Source: Information in this article comes from the Department of Defense.