Two foreign nationals are currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after an alleged attempt to breach a Marine Corps base earlier this month, officials have confirmed. The incident, which occurred on May 3rd at Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia, involved two individuals in a box truck who attempted to enter the base without proper credentials or affiliation.
According to officials, the driver of the truck claimed they were making a delivery to the post office and worked for a company subcontracted by Amazon. However, they were directed to a holding area for vetting as they did not have proper authorization to enter the base. It was during this time that one of the military police officers noticed the driver disregarding instructions and attempting to access the base.
Prompt action by the officers prevented the truck from breaching the base as vehicle denial barriers were deployed and the two individuals were detained. No injuries were reported and no weapons were found in the truck. The incident was first reported by Potomac Local News.
Acting ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner was asked about the case during a recent interview with Fox News. He confirmed that he was familiar with the incident and that the two individuals involved are currently in removal proceedings. Sources have since revealed that both individuals are Jordanian nationals.
When pressed for further information, Lechleitner was unable to confirm reports that at least one of the individuals was on the terror watchlist or in the country illegally. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was also asked about the incident during a press briefing and confirmed that the two nationals are currently in ICE custody.
In a statement to Fox News, ICE Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) spokesman James Covington revealed that the two individuals were arrested by Marine Corps Base Quantico’s Criminal Investigations Division for trespassing and later turned over to ERO. They are currently in custody pending removal proceedings.
Covington emphasized that ICE makes custody determinations on a case-by-case basis and considers the circumstances and any potential risks to the community. He also stated that the agency is focused on smart and effective immigration enforcement that upholds the integrity of immigration laws and protects the safety of communities.
Entering the United States without proper authorization is a federal crime, and those who do so may face administrative arrest and, in some cases, criminal prosecution. While details surrounding the motives of the individuals involved in this incident are still unknown, ICE and other authorities continue to investigate the matter and will take appropriate actions as necessary.
Both ICE and officials from Marine Corps Base Quantico are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or concerning activity. In times of heightened security concerns, it is important for everyone to work together to ensure the safety and security of our communities. ICE and other law enforcement agencies remain committed to upholding the laws of our country and maintaining the safety of its citizens.
