ICE Joins Marine Corps Base Security Amid Foreign Trespassing Concerns

Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the U.S. Marine Corps has initiated collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through a new pilot program to prevent unauthorized foreign nationals from gaining access to military installations.

The initiative is presently undergoing its "proof-of-concept" phase, with active operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii. ICE agents have been deployed at entry gates, working alongside Marine security forces in a significant development. Their role focuses on supporting identity verification and conducting threat assessments, although military personnel will not be involved in enforcing immigration laws.

"This interagency initiative aims to bolster force protection through improved visibility and coordination at key access points," Capt. Kevin Uebelhardt, spokesperson for Headquarters Marine Corps. He underscored that the initiative is a crucial component of a continuous endeavor to protect service members, their families, and employees.

Officials have refrained from revealing the number of unauthorized access attempts recorded in recent years. This program comes in response to several notable incidents, including attempts by individuals from China and Jordan to breach restricted areas.

Second Lt. Anna Hornick, a spokesperson at Camp Pendleton, stated that the program is not a reaction to any particular incident but rather a proactive measure to enhance security. Officials have noted that law-abiding personnel entering the base will not be affected; however, longer wait times at entry points may be anticipated.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) actively participates in investigations indicating criminal intent.

According to officials, the program's success will dictate its potential expansion to additional Marine Corps installations.

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