Photo By Cpl. Jacqueline Akamelu | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and U.S. Marine Corps military police...... read more read more
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Camp Pendleton, Calif. – May 16, 2025 – Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton has
launched an interagency security initiative in coordination with Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Naval Criminal
Investigative Service (NCIS). This cooperative operation, currently in a proof-of-concept
phase, is designed to deter unauthorized installation access by foreign nationals and
reinforce layered base defense strategies in alignment with national security objectives.
Conducted under established federal authorities, the operation reflects an enduring
mission-driven commitment to force protection, interagency collaboration, and national level compliance. By integrating federal law enforcement capabilities with installation
security posture, the initiative ensures that military installations remain secure,
responsive, and fully aligned with Department of Defense homeland defense priorities.
ICE agents are supporting Camp Pendleton’s Provost Marshal’s Office with identity
verification and access screening operations at designated entry control points. NCIS and
CBP maintain active roles in interagency coordination, intelligence exchange, and
operational planning—contributing to an integrated defense posture. Their combined
presence enhances visibility, deterrence, and early threat detection across critical access
nodes.
“Marine Corps installations are essential to the readiness, modernization, and global
reach of our operating forces,” said Brig. Gen. Nick I. Brown, commanding general of
Marine Corps Installations West. “Any activity that undermines that mission—including
unauthorized incursions—will be unequivocally addressed. This cooperation represents a
commitment to safeguarding the force and the families who support it.”
While most unauthorized access attempts are inadvertent, often caused by civilian
motorists unintentionally navigating to base gates due to GPS misdirection, others may
present deliberate security risks. Officials urge all drivers to confirm their routes in
advance, as commercial navigation systems do not always reflect geo-fencing around
Camp Pendleton’s restricted areas.
Military and federal law enforcement roles remain clearly delineated, with each agency
operating within its statutory authorities. ICE personnel are not patrolling the base interior,
but are co-located with Marine Corps gate sentries at controlled access points. Individuals
without valid credentials may be subject to additional screening, in accordance with
federal guidelines.
This interagency cooperative effort is being evaluated for effectiveness and scalability. Its
success may inform future iterations across other Marine Corps installations, particularly
those proximate to border regions, ports of entry, or critical infrastructure corridors.
For access requirements, gate hours, and identification guidelines, visit the official Base
Access webpage.
For more information, contact pendletonmedia@usmc.mil.
-USMC-
| Date Taken: | 05.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.19.2025 10:01 |
| Story ID: | 498250 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 262 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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