ICE Agents Posted at Marine Corps Gates to Boost Base Security

In a move aimed at enhancing security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are now involved in visitor screening at three Marine Corps bases. This initiative is designed to prevent unauthorized access by foreign nationals, as confirmed by Marine Corps officials.

According to Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Kevin Uebelhardt, ICE agents have been deployed to Camp Pendleton, California, and are set to be stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, as part of a new pilot program.

The initiative, which commenced on May 15 at Camp Pendleton, represents a significant collaboration involving ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and military law enforcement agencies. Officials have announced that the program is designed to enhance security at military bases by improving identification verification processes and facilitating intelligence sharing.

Uebelhardt stated, “This collaboration is not in response to any one incident but part of a long-standing effort to improve security,” highlighting that the partnership with ICE has been in place since the Department of Homeland Security's establishment in 2002.

In a significant development, the decision follows a May 2024 incident involving the arrest of two Jordanian nationals attempting to gain access to Marine Corps Base Quantico. The dismissal of the charges has ignited a significant discussion regarding the security measures in place for base access.

ICE has clarified that its agents will refrain from conducting patrols or immigration enforcement at the installations. 

According to Capt. James Sartain, a Marine Corps Installations West spokesman, said their role is strictly confined to supporting entry point screenings.

“The responsibility for base security continues to lie with military law enforcement,” stated Sartain. Officials have said that any unauthorized entry attempts by foreign nationals will be reported to ICE for necessary measures.

The pilot program is currently in the proof-of-concept stage, with evaluations underway to assess its potential future developments.