Suspected Intruders Nabbed at Quantico: ICE’s Role in National Security

Clear Facts

• Two individuals, believed to be from Jordan, were apprehended and are in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody following an alleged attempt to infiltrate the Quantico Marine Corps Base on May 3.
• The base’s spokesperson, Capt. Michael Curtis, reported that the duo, who claimed to be making a delivery for Amazon, were stopped at a gate and subsequently attempted to defy instructions, moving past the designated holding area.
• Acting ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner, while familiar with the case, did not confirm whether one of the individuals was on the terror watchlist or if they were in the country illegally. Both are currently undergoing removal proceedings.

In an event that has raised alarm bells, two individuals, allegedly from Jordan, are currently in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They had reportedly attempted to breach the Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia on May 3.

A spokesperson for the base, Capt. Michael Curtis, stated that the individuals arrived in a box truck and were intercepted at the entrance gate. They allegedly informed the base’s military police that they were delivering a package to the post office on behalf of Amazon.

However, their lack of official credentials and any connection to the base led to their redirection to a holding area for further investigation.
“It was at that time, one of the military police officers noticed the driver, ignoring the direct instructions of the officers, continued to move the vehicle past the holding area and attempted to access Marine Corps Base Quantico,” shared Curtis.

Curtis further commended the swift action of the officers on duty, which halted any potential breach.
“Due to the swift response and execution of their duties, the officers were able to deploy the vehicle denial barriers, prevent any further access to Marine Corps Base Quantico and detain the individuals who were eventually turned over to U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.”

No injuries were reported during the incident, and no weapons were found on the suspects.

Acting ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner was queried about the incident on Thursday. While confirming he was aware of the case, he did not provide any details on whether one of the suspects was on the terror watchlist or in the country illegally.

Taking a cautious approach, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the two Jordanians were in ICE custody, reminding everyone, “these two Jordanians that you’re speaking of remain in ICE custody, and given that it is an active law enforcement matter … I would have to refer you to ICE.”

In a statement, ICE Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) spokesman James Covington elaborated on the incident. Following the arrest of the two Jordanian “noncitizens” for trespassing, the ERO’s Criminal Apprehension Program responded, leading to their arrest without incident.

“Regardless of nationality, ICE makes custody determinations on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with U. S. law and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy,” Covington said. Emphasizing the commitment of ERO to efficient immigration enforcement, Covington reiterated, “Entering the United States without authorization is a violation of federal law, and those who do so may be subject to administrative arrest and, in some cases, criminal prosecution.”

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