Two foreign nationals are in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on suspicion of attempting to enter a Marine Corps base this month, officials confirmed Thursday.
The incident occurred on May 3rd at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. A base spokeswoman said two people in a box truck were stopped at the gate.
The driver allegedly told military police that the delivery was for the post office and that he worked for an Amazon subcontractor.
Since they were not affiliated with the base or had any approved qualifications, they were escorted to a holding area for testing.
New data reveals more illegal immigrants evaded border security under Biden administration than under predecessor
The two aliens are currently in ICE custody. (Fox News)
“At that time, one of the military police officers noticed that the driver, ignoring the officer's direct instructions, continued to move the vehicle beyond the staging area and was attempting to enter Marine Corps Base Quantico,” Spokesman Michael said. Captain Curtis said. In a statement.
Border Patrol official says threat from 'fugitives' at southern border 'keeps me up at night'
“Through their rapid response and execution of their mission, officers deployed a no-vehicle barrier, prevented further access to Marine Corps Base Quantico, and the individual was ultimately turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).” was able to take custody of the child. “
No injuries were reported and officers did not report a weapon. The alleged violations were first reported by Potomac Local News.
On Thursday, Fox News asked Acting ICE Director Patrick Rechleitner about the incident, and he said he was familiar with the incident and that the two nationals were in deportation proceedings.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Patrick Rechleitner listens to a press conference at the Department of Justice in Washington, Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
ICE officials confirmed to Fox News that both suspects are Jordanian nationals. Rechleitner was asked if he could confirm reports that at least one person was on a terrorist watch list and whether he was in the country illegally.
Illegal immigrants from this foreign enemy are increasingly crossing the border.
“I can't confirm anything like that right now,” he said.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about the incident at a briefing and confirmed that two people were in ICE custody.
“So I'm going to be very careful. Given that these two Jordanians you're talking about are still in ICE custody and this is an active matter for law enforcement…I'm going to be very careful. We’ll have to refer you to ICE,” she said.
ICE personnel and Marine Corps Base Quantico (Getty Images)
In a statement to Fox News Thursday night, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) spokesman James Covington said the Marine Corps Base Quantico's Criminal Investigation Division illegally intercepted two Jordanian “nonnationals” on May 3. He said he had arrested him on suspicion of trespassing and then reported the arrest to ERO in Washington.
ERO's Criminal Apprehension Program subsequently responded and arrested the pair without incident. They will remain in ERO custody “pending removal proceedings.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Regardless of nationality, ICE makes custody decisions on a case-by-case basis, consistent with U.S. law and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy and considering the circumstances of each case. ICE officers will Make decisions about enforcement actions and enforcement actions. Apply prosecutorial discretion in a responsible manner based on our experience as law enforcement professionals and in a manner that best protects the communities we serve. '' Covington said.
“Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) focuses on smart and effective immigration enforcement that protects our homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws,” he said. added. “Entering the United States without authorization is a violation of federal law, and those who enter the United States without authorization are subject to administrative arrest and, in some cases, criminal prosecution.”
FOX News' Peter Doocy contributed to this report.
Get the latest information on the ongoing border crisis from Fox News Digital's Immigration Hub.
Adam Shaw is a political reporter for Fox News Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security.
Contact him at adam.shaw2@fox.com or at: twitter.