WASHINGTON — The Marine Corps says ICE agents will be stationed outside graduation ceremonies for new Marines in the country to determine if any of their family members are in the country illegally.
As the U.S. continues its war in Iran, the Marine Corps has increased security measures on base and requires everyone to present a REAL ID, U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate to access the site.
Illegal immigrants are typically not eligible for a federal REAL ID and do not have a U.S. passport or birth certificate. As a result, people without identification documents arriving at the gates of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island in Beaufort, South Carolina, for this week’s Recruit Family Day and graduation events may have to answer to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, the Marine Corps said.
Due to “enhanced personnel protection measures” at the recruit depot, “federal law enforcement personnel will be stationed at access points at the facility to conduct enhanced screening and lawful immigration checks on recruits’ families and on graduation day,” a message on Parris Island’s website said.
It was not clear why ICE decided to target Parris Island, although in some cases the families did not have proper documentation. An ICE spokesperson did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Although the graduation ceremony is Friday morning, families are invited to visit the base and celebrate their sons and daughters’ completion of grueling training that begins Wednesday. Marines are not allowed to see their families during their 13-week training period.
“While the Marine Corps routinely works with federal partners on security issues, this is the first time in recent memory that a federal law enforcement agency has supported a base entry operation on Parris Island in this capacity,” a spokesperson for MCRD Parris Island said in a statement.
A spokesperson encouraged all visitors to be prepared for additional testing measures.
“To ensure a smooth and timely process, guests must bring proper identification and limit the number of items brought onto the property,” the spokesperson said.
Marine Corps recruits have been training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island since November 1915. According to a spokesperson, graduation ceremonies are held at the facility approximately 46 weeks a year.
It is unclear whether ICE will be on Parris Island’s doorstep for the foreseeable future, or whether ICE’s involvement could expand to other bases.
