Federal immigration agents will be stationed at an upcoming Marine Corps graduation ceremony at Parris Island, South Carolina, raising concerns among advocates about the potential targeting of undocumented family members. According to multiple reports, the agents are tasked with identifying whether any graduates' family members lack legal immigration status.
Key Takeaways
Federal immigration agents will be present at an upcoming Marine Corps graduation ceremony at Parris Island, South Carolina. The move has raised concerns among advocates about undocumented family members of graduates being targeted.
- ICE agents to monitor Marine Corps graduation for potential undocumented individuals
- DHS states no arrests planned during the event
- Base describes this as first-of-its-kind security measure in recent memory
The presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel at the graduation events has been described as an unusual move by the Marine Corps, which is presenting it as a security enhancement for family events. A message on the Parris Island website cited "increased force protection measures" and stated that federal law enforcement personnel will be present at installation access points to conduct enhanced screening and lawful immigration status inquiries during recruit family and graduation days.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified that ICE will not make arrests at the event. This clarification comes amid fears that undocumented relatives celebrating their loved ones' achievements might be seized and deported. The base spokesperson mentioned that this is the first time in recent memory that federal law enforcement agencies have supported base access operations at Parris Island in this capacity.
The graduation ceremony will take place on Friday for recruits who complete a 13-week training program at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Thousands of non-U.S. citizens have served in the military, and advocates have condemned the deportation of veterans, service members, and their relatives under various U.S. administrations.
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