ICE and Marines Partner on Pilot Program to Enhance Security on Military Bases

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has teamed up with the U.S. Marine Corps to respond to inquiries on the immigration status of foreign nationals at select military bases, including Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Camp Pendleton in California, and Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The pilot program, which began on May 19, aims to deter unauthorized foreign nationals from attempting to gain access to the bases. As part of the effort, ICE agents work side-by-side with Marines to ensure the security and safety of installations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The pilot program between ICE and the Marines started on May 19 and involves responding to inquiries on the immigration status of foreign nationals encountered by U.S. Marine Corps security personnel.
  • ICE personnel at Marine Corps Base Hawaii are poised to respond to inquiries and arrest and detain foreign nationals as necessary.
  • The program is part of an effort to ensure the security and safety of installations, and to prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing the bases.
  • The Marine Corps has worked with DHS and its subordinate organizations since its inception in 2002, and this collaboration with ICE is not new.
  • The pilot program has resulted in the first arrest of a Russian national trying to access MCBH.
  • The program's duration and expansion plans are unclear.
  • Hawaii is the test bed for at least two new ICE initiatives designed to meet President Donald Trump's campaign promise to pull off the largest mass deportation of illegal immigrants in U.S. history.
  • The Federal Detention Center in Honolulu will be used to house ICE detainees in two separate housing units for men and women.
  • Members of Hawaii's congressional delegation were not notified of the pilot program before it started.
  • The pilot program has raised concerns among Hawaii's congressional delegation, with some questioning its necessity and appropriateness.

Statistics:

  • As of June 11, federal agents had made 117 administrative arrests for immigration law violations in Hawaii this year.
  • 251 individuals have been arrested in Hawaii for alleged criminal violations while in the U.S. illegally.
  • The pilot program involves three military installations: Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Camp Pendleton in California, and Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.

Sources:

  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson
  • Honolulu Star-Advertiser
  • Lt. John E. O'Hara, MCBH's spokesperson
  • U.S. Representative Ed Case
  • U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda
  • U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC
  • www.staradvertiser.com