By Mike McCombs
The Island News
Future visitors to Parris Island for Marine Corps boot camp graduations, beginning this week, will encounter federal agents checking their immigration status.
NBC news first reported the news Monday night, March 30, and it has been confirmed by the Marine Corps.
While the Marine Corps did not specify exactly what kind of federal agents will be present, The Island News has confirmed through a source that they will include Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, more commonly known as ICE agents.
A message on the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot Parris Island website on Tuesday read: “Due to increased force protection measures and to expedite enhanced base access procedures, federal law enforcement personnel will be present at installation access points during Recruit Family and Graduation Days.”
A media release through Chief Warrant Officer Bobby Yarbrough of Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT) on MCRD Parris Island elaborates on the message.
“Due to increased force protection measures, federal law enforcement personnel will be present at installation access points during Recruit Family and Graduation Days to expedite enhanced base access procedures.
“Due to an elevated force protection posture, additional support from federal law enforcement partners is essential. Their assistance enables us to maintain thorough and efficient screening while minimizing delays for our visitors. This collaborative effort ensures we uphold the highest security standards, protect critical infrastructure, and provide a safe and orderly environment for families celebrating this important milestone.
“The presence of supporting agencies enhances our ability to effectively manage increased access requirements while preserving the integrity of base operations and the well-being of everyone aboard the installation.”
Parris Island, according to Military Times, trains more than 20,000 recruits and holds more than 40 graduations yearly.
According to Military Times, “notably, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, the [Marine]Corps’ West Coast training base, has published no public statement or alert about a federal presence there.”
Over the past several months, the Trump Administration has deployed large numbers of federal agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, to cities like Portland, Minneapolis and Chicago, and most recently, ICE agents have been sent to major airports to “assist” Transportation Safety Administration employees.
ICE agents were involved earlier this week in a raid in Jasper County.
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.