DHS Denies Marines’ Warning on “Immigration Status Inquiries” of Families and Visitors at Marine Corps Graduation in Parris Island
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now denying a warning issued by the U.S. Marines themselves that federal law enforcement would be conducting “lawful immigration status inquiries” on families and visitors attending graduation ceremonies at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina.
According to far-left NBC News, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be stationed at entry points to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island during upcoming graduation events, where they will conduct immigration status screenings of family members and visitors attending the ceremonies.
In a message posted on its website, the Marine Corps initially stated: “Due to MCRD’s increased Force Protection Measures, Federal Law Enforcement personnel will be present at installation access points to conduct enhanced screening and lawful immigration status inquiries during Recruit Family and Graduation Days.”
The notice was later amended. The new updated language now reads: “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 spokesperson for MCRD Parris Island told NBC News, “While the Marine Corps routinely coordinates with federal partners on security matters, this is the first time in recent memory that federal law enforcement agencies have supported base access operations at Parris Island in this capacity.”
“To help ensure a smooth and timely process, guests should bring proper identification and limit the number of items they carry onto the installation.”
Military Times reported:
NBC published a confirmation from the Marine Corps that this is “the first time in recent memory that federal law enforcement agencies have supported base access operations,” as well as DHS statements saying ICE planned no on-site arrests as part of its work.
Notably, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, the Corps’ West Coast training base, has published no public statement or alert about a federal presence there.
This development comes amid national efforts to locate and deport immigrants without legal residency status, ushering mass deployments of ICE agents to cities including Minneapolis and Chicago and, most recently, ICE reinforcements at U.S. airports.
It also comes as bases shore up security in recognition of increased threats as the U.S. enters its second month of conflict with Iran. Earlier this month, for example, Fort Meade, Maryland, announced that it was ramping up vehicle inspections and closing the base off to rideshare and delivery drivers who didn’t have a Defense Department-issued ID card.
Some bases in the Pacific, likewise, have raised their alert status from Alpha to Bravo, indicating “an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists” in light of the Iran threat.
In an X post, DHS quickly moved to downplay the situation:
“FAKE NEWS. ICE will not be making arrests at the basic training graduation in Paris Island, SC.”
FAKE NEWS.
ICE will not be making arrests at the basic training graduation in Paris Island, SC. https://t.co/pKQdcG1b4V
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 31, 2026
This is blatant fake news.
ICE will NOT be making arrests at the basic training graduation in Parris Island. https://t.co/x6NCQGet1k
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) March 31, 2026
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