Two Jordanian nationals attempted to breach Marine Corps Base Quantico earlier this month. One entered the U.S. illegally in April and was released, while the other was a foreign student whose status was terminated in January. Both men were apprehended on May 3, 2024, after trying to breach the base. The driver of the box truck they were in allegedly claimed they were making a delivery for Amazon, but the company has denied this. The non-affiliated men were directed to a holding area for vetting and were subsequently arrested for trespassing.
One of the men had entered the country legally as a student but had his status terminated in January. The second individual was arrested in April near San Ysidro, California after entering the U.S. illegally from Mexico. After being released on his own recognizance, both men were arrested at Quantico. ICE confirmed their arrest and stated that deportation proceedings were underway. While there is no evidence of their association with any organizations posing a threat, their identities are being withheld due to privacy concerns.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is under scrutiny over the incident, with questions being raised about how the men came to the U.S. and whether they were on any terrorist watchlists. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has requested a full briefing on the events surrounding the attempted breach. The FBI and DHS have not confirmed if the individuals were on a terrorist watchlist, citing policies of not conducting specific investigations or confirming individuals on watchlists.
The incident has raised concerns about border security and the vetting process for individuals entering the U.S. Both men had entered the country through different means, one legally as a student and the other illegally from Mexico. Questions remain about the handling of individuals who have violated immigration laws and whether there are gaps in the system that allow them to be released and attempted to breach secure facilities. The response from law enforcement agencies, including ICE and the FBI, has focused on ensuring public safety and national security.
As the investigation continues, officials are working to determine any possible security threats posed by the individuals involved in the breach attempt. The incident has prompted calls for increased oversight and scrutiny of individuals entering the country, particularly those who may have violated immigration laws or have had their status terminated. The potential implications of the breach attempt on national security have raised concerns among lawmakers, with questions being raised about the effectiveness of border security measures and the vetting process for individuals entering the U.S.
