In a somewhat surprising effort to bolster security and prevent unauthorized intrusions, ICE agents are now stationed at three pivotal Marine Corps bases: Camp Pendleton, Quantico, and Hawaii.
See the tweet below!
This collaboration between ICE and the Marine Corps aims to shield our nation’s bravest and their families from the risks posed by unauthorized access.
While some may express skepticism, this initiative is a testament to the commitment to protect those who protect us.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents will now join Marine Corps personnel in a pilot program to enhance base security.
This partnership focuses on deterring foreign nationals from illegally accessing military installations.
The integration of ICE and CBP teams within security operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Quantico, and Hawaii marks a historic level of teamwork aimed at revamping current security measures.
This initiative comes after several breaches, including unauthorized attempts by foreign nationals to access highly sensitive areas.
Importantly, the Marine Corps assures that military personnel will not enforce immigration laws; roles between entities are carefully defined.
The collaboration is not linked to a specific incident but is part of ongoing efforts to enhance security.
However, past incidents, such as two Jordanian nationals attempting a breach at Quantico in 2023, have underscored the urgent need for better security infrastructure.
With threats like unauthorized drone flights and repeated breaches by Chinese nationals, the need for enhanced measures is clearer than ever.
“Marine and family readiness start at our bases and stations, and the safety and security of our Marines, sailors, family members, civilian employees and all who work and have proper access to Marine Corps installations are of the utmost importance,” declared Capt. Kevin Uebelhardt, a Marine Corps spokesman, cited by Military.com.
Most unauthorized access attempts result from GPS errors, though some pose real security risks.
The new security framework involves ICE agents assisting with identity verification and shouldering responsibilities at gate screening processes.
While this may increase wait times at entry points, the daily operations on these bases remain unchanged, ensuring minimal disruption for those on duty and their families.
The cooperative effort with ICE is currently in a proof-of-concept phase.
The effectiveness of this initiative, along with its scalability, will be evaluated to determine future applications at other Marine Corps bases.
This collaboration continues a history of joint efforts between installation law enforcement and federal agencies to safeguard American personnel and interests.
“The collaboration with ICE is not in response to a specific incident but rather is part of an ongoing effort to constantly improve our security posture to protect our most valued resource: our people,” Uebelhardt said further.
Marines team up with ICE in bold move to boost ‘threat awareness’ at critical military bases https://t.co/R8nQVWWvh6 #FoxNews #ICE #MarineCorp #MilitaryBases #Mission #CME
— Coalition for Military Excellence (CME) (@Mil_Excellence) July 7, 2025
Concerns remain, with defense authority Abby Hall Blanco questioning the necessity and transparency of such a program.
Critics fear this could signal a lack of confidence in current Marine Corps security measures.
Despite these doubts, the collaboration with ICE reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding our most crucial defensive assets.
