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Two foreign nationals are in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after an alleged attempt to breach a Marine Corps base this month, officials confirmed Thursday.
The incident happened May 3 at Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia. A spokesperson for the base said two people in a box truck were stopped at a gate.
The driver allegedly told military police officers they were making a delivery to the post office and worked for a company subcontracted by Amazon.
Because they had no affiliation to the base and no approved credentials, they were directed to a holding area for vetting.
The two foreign nationals are now in ICE custody. (Fox News)
"It was at that time, one of the military police officers noticed the driver, ignoring the direct instructions of the officers, continued to move the vehicle past the holding area and attempted to access Marine Corps Base Quantico," spokesperson Capt. Michael Curtis said in a statement.
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"Due to the swift response and execution of their duties, the officers were able to deploy the vehicle denial barriers, prevent any further access to Marine Corps Base Quantico and detain the individuals who were eventually turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody."
No injuries were reported, and officers did not report any weapons. The alleged breach was first reported by the Potomac Local News.
On Thursday, Fox News asked Acting ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner about the case, and he said he was familiar with the case and that the two nationals are in removal proceedings.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Deputy Director Patrick Lechleitner listens during a news conference at the Department of Justice in Washington Sept. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
ICE sources confirmed to Fox News that both suspects are Jordanian nationals. Lechleitner was asked if he could confirm reports at least one of them was on the terror watchlist and if they were in the country illegally.
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"I can't confirm anything like that right now," he said.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked at a briefing about the incident, and she confirmed the two were in ICE custody.
"So, I'm going to be really mindful, these two Jordanians that you're speaking of remain in ICE custody, and given that it is an active law enforcement matter … I would have to refer you to ICE," she said.
An ICE agent and the Marine Corps Base Quantico (Getty Images )
In a statement to Fox News Thursday evening, ICE Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) spokesman James Covington said Marine Corps Base Quantico's Criminal Investigations Division arrested two Jordanian "noncitizens" May 3 for trespassing and later notified ERO in Washington of the apprehensions.
ERO's Criminal Apprehension Program then responded and arrested both individuals without incident. They will remain in ERO custody "pending removal proceedings."
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"Regardless of nationality, ICE makes custody determinations on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with U.S. law and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy, considering the circumstances of each case. ICE officers make decisions on associated enforcement actions and apply prosecutorial discretion in a responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement professionals and in a way that best protects the communities we serve," Covington said.
"Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws," he added. "Entering the United States without authorization is a violation of federal law, and those who do so many be subject to administrative arrest and, in some cases, criminal prosecution."
Fox News' Peter Doocy contributed to this report.
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