Key Takeaways
• Since July 7, 2025, Marines and ICE collaborate on security at three key military bases.
• The pilot program enhances identity checks to prevent unauthorized foreign national access.
• 200 Marines also assist ICE in Florida with administrative, non-law enforcement duties.
As of July 7, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 Marine Corps has launched a new pilot program in partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to strengthen security at three of its most important military bases: Camp Pendleton in California, Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii. This move comes after a series of security concerns, including attempts by foreign nationals to enter military facilities and reports of unauthorized drone activity. The program is designed to boost “threat awareness” and prevent unauthorized access, especially by foreign nationals, at these high-profile locations.
Why Are Marines and ICE Working Together?
The main goal of this partnership is to make sure that only authorized people can enter these critical military bases. The Marines are responsible for protecting the bases, but recent incidents have shown that extra help may be needed to stop people who should not be there from getting in. By working with ICE, the Marine Corps hopes to improve the way they check people’s identities at the gates and to spot possible threats before they become serious problems.
This collaboration is not a reaction to just one event. Instead, it is part of a larger effort to keep Marines, their families, and civilian workers safe. Officials say that the program is meant to strengthen security at a time when threats to military bases are changing and becoming more complex.
What Sparked This New Approach?
The decision to bring ICE agents to Marine Corps bases follows several worrying incidents. In 2023, two Jordanian nationals tried to breach the gates at Marine Corps Base Quantico. One of them was in the United States 🇺🇸 illegally. This event raised questions about how well current security measures were working.
There have also been reports of unauthorized drone flights over military bases and repeated attempts by foreign nationals, especially Chinese nationals, to access sensitive military sites. According to The Wall Street Journal, Chinese nationals have tried to breach U.S. military facilities about 100 times in recent years. These incidents have made it clear that military bases face real and growing threats from people who may want to gather information or cause harm.
How Does the Pilot Program Work?
The pilot program is currently in a “proof-of-concept” phase. This means it is being tested to see how well it works before any decisions are made about expanding it to other bases. Here’s how it operates:
- ICE agents are stationed at the gates of Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii. They work alongside Marine gate personnel to help verify the identities of people trying to enter the base.
- Marines remain in charge of base security. ICE agents do not patrol inside the bases or enforce immigration laws beyond their duties at the gates. Their job is to help with identity checks and to watch for signs that someone might be trying to enter the base illegally.
- Roles are clearly separated. This is important to make sure that the program follows federal rules about what military and civilian agencies can do on U.S. soil.
- The focus is on visibility and coordination. By having ICE agents at the gates, the Marines hope to increase their ability to spot and stop threats before they get onto the base.
Officials have said that while the presence of ICE agents may lead to longer wait times at entry points, the daily lives of people living and working on the bases should not change much.
What Do Officials and Experts Say?
Capt. Kevin Uebelhardt, a spokesperson for Headquarters Marine Corps, explained that the safety and security of Marines and their families is always the top priority. He described the new program as a continuation of the long-standing cooperation between military law enforcement and ICE, which has been in place since the Department of Homeland Security was created.
A Pentagon official added that this program fits with new security measures being put in place at military bases around the world. The goal is to stop unauthorized access by foreign nationals and to make sure that military installations are as safe as possible.
However, not everyone is convinced that bringing ICE onto Marine Corps bases is the right move. Abby Hall Blanco, a defense and economics professor at the University of Tampa, said that the decision could make it look like the Marine Corps is not able to handle its own security. Still, she recognized that the program is meant to add an extra layer of protection at the base perimeters.
What About Marines Supporting ICE Elsewhere?
In addition to the pilot program at the three bases, the Marine Corps is also sending about 200 Marines to help ICE operations in Florida. These Marines will not be involved in law enforcement or have direct contact with detainees. Instead, they will help with administrative and logistical tasks inside ICE facilities. This support is part of a larger plan that could see up to 700 military personnel helping ICE in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.
This deployment was authorized by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and is meant to free up ICE agents so they can focus on their main job of enforcing immigration laws. The Marines’ support is limited to non-law enforcement roles, such as paperwork, transportation, and other behind-the-scenes work.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The new partnership between the Marines and ICE comes at a time when the United States 🇺🇸 government is putting more money and attention into border and interior security. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes billions of dollars for the Department of Homeland Security to improve border security and immigration enforcement. This reflects a growing concern about threats from foreign nationals and the need to protect critical infrastructure, including military bases.
The pilot program is also part of a larger trend toward interagency cooperation. This means that different parts of the government are working together more closely to deal with complex security challenges. By combining the skills and resources of the Marines and ICE, officials hope to create a stronger defense against people who might try to harm military personnel or steal sensitive information.
How Will the Program Be Judged?
The success of the pilot program will be measured by how well it improves security at the three bases. If it works well, it could be expanded to other Marine Corps installations, especially those near borders, ports of entry, or important infrastructure. The program is being closely watched by military leaders, lawmakers, and security experts, who want to see if it really makes a difference.
Some of the key questions that will be asked include:
- Does the presence of ICE agents at the gates stop more unauthorized people from getting onto the bases?
- Are there fewer security incidents, such as breach attempts or suspicious activity?
- How do Marines, their families, and civilian workers feel about the changes?
- Are there any problems with the way the program is run, such as confusion about roles or delays at the gates?
What Are the Main Concerns?
While many people support the idea of making military bases safer, there are also concerns about the new program. Some experts worry that involving ICE could blur the lines between military and civilian law enforcement. Others say that the program needs to be more transparent, with clear information about how it started and what its long-term goals are.
There is also debate about whether the Marines should rely on outside agencies for security. Some believe that the Marine Corps should be able to handle all aspects of base protection on its own. Others argue that the growing complexity of threats means that cooperation with agencies like ICE is necessary.
What Does This Mean for People on Base?
For most people living and working at Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii, the biggest change will be at the gates. Entry may take a little longer as ICE agents help check IDs and watch for suspicious behavior. However, daily life on the bases is expected to stay the same.
Marines will still be in charge of security, and ICE agents will not be involved in activities inside the bases. The goal is to make the bases safer without disrupting the routines of Marines, their families, or civilian employees.
What Happens Next?
The pilot program will continue for several months as officials collect data and feedback. If it is successful, it could become a permanent part of base security and be expanded to other locations. If problems arise, the program may be changed or even ended.
Military leaders and government officials will be looking at the results to decide what to do next. They will also listen to feedback from Marines, their families, and other stakeholders to make sure that the program meets its goals without causing unnecessary problems.
Key Details at a Glance
Here is a summary of the most important facts about the program:
- Bases involved: Camp Pendleton (California), Marine Corps Base Quantico (Virginia), Marine Corps Base Hawaii
- Start date: Announced May 2025, active as of July 2025
- ICE role: Gate screening and identity verification; no patrols inside the base or direct immigration enforcement
- Marine role: Main responsibility for base security and law enforcement
- Reason for program: Prevent unauthorized access by foreign nationals and respond to past breach attempts and drone incidents
- Notable incident: 2023 breach attempt by Jordanian nationals at Quantico
- Military support to ICE: 200 Marines deployed to Florida for non-law enforcement support in ICE facilities
- Budget context: Part of a larger increase in Department of Homeland Security funding for border and interior security in the FY 2026 budget
- Expert opinion: Mixed; some skepticism about the optics, but general agreement on the need for stronger security
- Future plans: Ongoing evaluation; possible expansion to other bases near borders or critical infrastructure
Where to Find More Information
For those seeking more details about the program or wanting to contact officials, the following resources are available:
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official website
- Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office
- Marine Corps Base Quantico Public Affairs Office
- Marine Corps Base Hawaii Public Affairs Office
- Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security official communications
These sources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about the partnership between the Marines and ICE.
What Does This Mean for Immigration Policy?
The partnership between the Marine Corps and ICE shows how immigration enforcement and national security are becoming more connected. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this kind of interagency cooperation is likely to become more common as the United States 🇺🇸 faces new and changing threats. The program also highlights the importance of clear roles and responsibilities when different agencies work together.
Some experts believe that this approach could be a model for other military branches or government agencies. Others say that more study is needed to make sure that the benefits outweigh any possible downsides, such as confusion about authority or concerns about privacy.
Practical Takeaways
- If you live or work on one of the affected bases: Be prepared for longer wait times at the gates and have your identification ready.
- If you are a Marine or civilian employee: Know that security is being strengthened, but your daily routine should not change much.
- If you are interested in immigration policy: Watch for updates on how this program develops and whether it is expanded to other locations.
- If you have questions: Contact the public affairs office at your base or visit the ICE official website for more information.
Conclusion
The new partnership between the Marines and ICE at Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii marks a significant step in the way the United States 🇺🇸 protects its military installations. By combining the strengths of both agencies, the program aims to stop unauthorized access and keep Marines, their families, and civilian workers safe. While there are still questions and concerns, the pilot program represents a bold effort to address modern security challenges in a changing world. The coming months will show whether this approach is effective and if it will become a permanent part of military base security across the country.
Learn Today
Pilot Program → A test phase to evaluate new security measures before wider implementation.
Unauthorized Access → Entering a secured area without official permission or clearance.
Interagency Cooperation → Multiple government agencies working together to address security challenges.
Identity Verification → Checking the authenticity of a person’s identification to allow entry.
Non-law Enforcement Roles → Support tasks not involving arrest or direct enforcement of laws.
This Article in a Nutshell
A new pilot program launched July 2025 pairs Marines with ICE at three bases. Designed to improve security, it focuses on identity verification to stop unauthorized foreign nationals while keeping Marines in charge. Meanwhile, 200 Marines support ICE operations in Florida, aiding administrative tasks behind the scenes without law enforcement roles.
— By VisaVerge.com
